TLC cancels shows after T-Boz is hospitalized for abdominal blockage

TLC’s Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins is recovering after suffering a medical emergency.

The iconic girl group, consisting of Watkins and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas, was forced to cancel their Aug. 23 performance at the New York State Fair just 30 minutes before showtime because T-Boz was suffering from a “severe abdominal blockage,” according to a release from the event’s organizers.

“Shortly after arriving in Syracuse, Tionne ‘T-Boz’ Watkins experienced sudden and severe nausea, vomiting, and intense abdominal cramps,” read the statement, which was reposted to TLC’s official Instagram account. “She was immediately seen by a doctor and subsequently taken to the hospital for further evaluation.”

It 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 advice of her physician, who required her to stay in the hospital overnight to undergo a CT scan to assess the severity of her condition.”

The press release, which also noted the cancellation of the group’s Aug. 24 performance at the Foxwoods Resort in Connecticut, stated that TLC is “committed to rescheduling” the concerts. T-Boz reiterated this on her own Instagram page, where she reshared the statement with a hopeful caption.

“I’m on the mend!!!,” she wrote on Saturday. “This was just one of those unexpected things that I had no control over! I look forward to making it up 2 you all… and hopefully I’ll get out of the hospital soon!!! As soon as tomorrow if all goes well! ”

Representatives for TLC did not immediately respond to Entertainment Weekly‘s request for comment and further updates.

Following the news of the Friday show’s cancellation, which came half an hour before the 8:00 pm concert was set to begin, disappointed merch-wearing fans were photographed leaving the venue at Suburban Parl. The group was set to repeat the success of their 2022 NYS Fair performance, which drew a crowd of 30,000 people.

This marks the second time this year TLC has been forced to cancel a show due to a health scare. Back in May, the duo rescheduled four Canadian dates after tour members, including T-Boz, caught the flu.

TLC, a duo since the 2002 death of member Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, said at the time, “We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Your support means the world to us, and we look forward to the opportunity to perform for you in the near future. We love you and will see you soon.”