Missy Elliott: Graves' Disease Hasn't Slowed Me Down

Earlier this week, People revealed that Missy Elliott had been privately battling Graves’ Disease, an autoimmune illness that affects the thyroid. Her condition became so bad that the “Supa Dupa Fly” rapper, 39, couldn’t write or drive a car. She suffered severe mood swings, dizzy spells, lumps in her throat, bulging eyes, and hair loss, and had been undergoing radiation and taking medication.

Some of her supporters have been concerned for her health. But in a new statement Missy reassures them that she is fine and has not been slowed down by the debilitating disease. In fact, she’s still working on her new album and producing for other artists. She will also be profiled on a new episode of VH1’s “Behind the Music,” airing June 29.

“I was diagnosed with Graves’ Disease about three years ago, but it really hasn’t slowed me down at all,” explained Missy. Read her statement below.

“There have been some inaccuracies reported in regards to my diagnosis with Graves’ Disease, so I wanted to clear things up. I was diagnosed with Graves’ Disease about three years ago, but it really hasn’t slowed me down at all. I rocked my performance on ‘VH1 Hip Hop Honors” tribute to Timbaland last year. I’ve written and produced a bunch of Grammy-nominated, #1 hits for artists like Keyshia Cole, Monica, and Jazmine Sullivan. I toured the U.K., Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. And on top of all that, I’m working on my new album. I feel great. Under my doctor’s supervision, I’ve been off medication for about a year and I’m completely managing the condition through diet and exercise.”