Sonja Norwood is speaking out about her son Ray J’s health after rumors spread online questioning the seriousness of his recent medical issues.
In a message shared on social media, Norwood addressed speculation that the singer’s condition had been exaggerated.
“It’s just really gotten out of hand when someone thinks that my son is faking his health, or it’s a hoax,” she said. “He’s not really serious about it.”
Norwood explained that Ray J was hospitalized in January after experiencing pneumonia and severe chest pain. Doctors later diagnosed him with cardiomyopathy, a condition that affects the heart’s ability to pump blood.
Sonja Norwood, mother of Ray J and Brandy, speaks about her son’s heart condition, revealing that doctors performed an angiogram which indicated Ray J has a serious heart disease called cardiomyopathy, with blood flow to his heart at only 15% to 20%.
— JagzLife (@JagzLife47) March 3, 2026
She described the diagnosis as serious and said her son is now adjusting to new limitations in both his work and personal life.
“This is life threatening,” she said, adding that rest will be a key part of his recovery.
Ray J previously shared that he has been placed on several medications and may require a pacemaker or defibrillator in the future. He also said he has been instructed to avoid smoking and drinking.
Norwood thanked supporters who have expressed concern. “For everyone who has genuinely prayed for him, I want to say thank you very much,” she said. “He’s trying to adjust to a condition that he has.”