Fox News host Sean Hannity on Wednesday addressed widespread “social media commentary” after his raspy voice and facial puffiness on the air prompted mockery and concern, explaining he recently injured himself, got laryngitis and was on medication.
Hannity Explains His Condition
“I’ve already addressed this several times on my radio show, but while training, I developed a painful pinched nerve in my neck,” Hannity wrote on X. “My doctor put me on prednisone to reduce the inflammation, and while it’s helping, it led to laryngitis and some puffiness.”
The conservative commentator went on to explain that it is “normal” for people on prednisone. A synthetic corticosteroid is commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation. It can cause swelling, a round face colloquially known as “moon face,” and weight gain in the upper extremities and limbs due to water retention, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Social Media Reaction
“I’m fine, recovering well, and still training, but apparently a few weeks of prednisone has generated more social media commentary than 30 years of ratings success,” wrote Hannity. “I appreciate all the concern and well-wishes—including from members of the left-wing media.”
The 64-year-old broadcaster continued, “Sorry to disappoint them, but a pinched nerve, a raspy voice, and a puffy face aren’t taking me out anytime soon.”
Radio Show Discussion
He had already addressed these concerns on the radio Monday, asking his “Sean Hannity Show” producer Lynda McLaughlin, “Don’t I sound better today? Aren’t you excited to hear my voice back?”
She replied, “I think America is excited that you’re not dying of a stroke.”
Hannity explained, “I actually went to a doctor, and what he said is I had a bad sinus infection, which led to laryngitis, and I didn’t want to take this crappy medicine called prednisone, and so he said to ride it out, don’t worry about it, you’re not hurting your vocal cords at all.”
Media Mockery and Concern
His visage had already spawned speculation on social media, however. It was on full display during an interview on Tuesday with White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, who was baselessly claiming that Democrats want to “strip” Americans of “our way of life.”
Hannity landed both mockery and concern after a clip of him on Tuesday covering the outcomes of the primary elections went viral. Even “The Daily Show” chimed in, with guest host Josh Johnson joking, “This is not the point, but what is going on with Sean Hannity’s face?”
The Fox News host has now addressed his appearance multiple times.
