What Happened to Vybz Kartel? Disease & Health Update

In a significant turn of events, Jamaican dancehall artist Vybz Kartel, born Adidja Palmer, has been released from prison after judges ruled against a retrial for his 2014 murder conviction. His release has sparked widespread curiosity and concern among fans about his health, as his defense cited severe medical issues. So, what disease does Vybz Kartel have? Here are all the details.

What disease does Vybz Kartel have?

Vybz Kartel’s health issues include severe thyroid problems and heart complications, along with a diagnosis of Graves’ Disease.

In May 2023, a medical affidavit obtained by FOX 5 revealed the severe decline in Vybz Kartel’s health. The doctors urgently recommended surgery due to worsening Graves’ Disease and heart issues. His private physician, Dr. Karen Phillips, had previously advised immediate surgical intervention, noting that his thyroid disease had not responded to medication. These ailments led to swelling in his neck and face and protruding eyes, which required the constant use of spectacles. Dr. Phillips stressed the need for immediate surgery.

Kartel’s defense said, “His neck was swollen, if you think of a shirt that is about 18.5 inches in the neck area, you couldn’t close the collar on his neck and that’s how bad it is in this moment. His face is actually swollen. And one other thing. He always wears glasses; in this condition, that causes his eyes to protrude.”

Kartel has been in prison since 2011, following his arrest for the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams. Even though Williams’ body was not found, Kartel and his co-defendants Shawn Campbell, Kahira Jones, and Andre St. John were convicted in 2014. It was allegedly over a dispute involving two unreturned firearms. Kartel has experienced significant health challenges while imprisoned. It was further worsened by what human rights attorney Isat Buchanan described as “inhumane” prison conditions.

The Jamaica Court of Appeal recently decided against a retrial for Kartel, citing the lack of necessity in the interest of justice. Factors influencing this decision included the substantial time elapsed since the crime, the lack of witnesses, and financial constraints. Recently, the U.K.’s Privy Council overturned Kartel’s murder conviction in March 2024 due to juror misconduct related to an alleged bribery attempt.