TLC concerts canceled after T-Boz hospitalized for abdominal blockage

TLC singer Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins is “doing very well” after suffering a medical emergency moments before hitting the stage Friday at the New York State Fair.
“Tionne is doing great!!” a representative for TLC said to USA TODAY in a statement Monday. “It was just one of those freak things that can happen to anyone that has had abdominal surgery or like in Tionne’s case a c-section years ago that can cause scar tissue in their stomach to irritate their intestines and cause a blockage.”
The girl group, consisting of Watkins and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas, canceled their Aug. 23 appearance less than an hour before they were set to perform after T-Boz suffered from a “severe abdominal blockage,” according to a release posted on Instagram from the event’s organizers.
“After delivering an electrifying performance in Toledo, Ohio, on Thursday, TLC was eagerly anticipating their next stop at the New York State Fair in Syracuse,” the statement continued. “However, shortly after arriving in Syracuse, Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins experienced sudden and severe nausea, vomiting, and intense abdominal cramps.”
Per the statement, reposted to TLC’s official Instagram account, Watkins was “immediately seen by a doctor and subsequently taken to the hospital for further evaluation.” Due to Watkins’s abdominal blockage diagnosis, TLC was also forced to cancel the Saturday show, where they were expected to perform with Shaggy at the Premiere Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut.
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The statement continued, “The doctor verified that this was not food poisoning, but an abdominal blockage. Tionne deeply regrets having to cancel these shows and extends her sincere apologies to all her fans and the event promoters. The decision to cancel was made under the advisement of her physician, who required her to stay in the hospital overnight to undergo a CT scan to assess the severity of her condition.”
Watkins was expected to be released from the hospital Sunday.
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Per the statement on Monday, TLC’s representative added that Watkins “is up and going again and is excited to see all of TLC’s fans on tour. She says, ‘Thank you everyone for their concern.'”
On Saturday, Watkins took to Instagram to share a health update with her fans, saying she was “on the mend” and “this was just one of those unexpected things that I had no control over.” She said she looks “forward to making it up (to) you all … thank you for understanding.”
TLC plans to make it up to fans in the future. “TLC is committed to rescheduling the canceled shows and apologizes to all the fans, particularly those who traveled long distances to attend. The group appreciates the understanding and support,” the statement concluded.