Laycon, a housemate in the ongoing Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) reality show, has revealed that he suffers a mild form of sickle cell anaemia, sparking controversy on Twitter.
The reality star brought this revelation to light during a conversation with Vee, his colleague.
“My genotype is SC (Sickle Cell), I don’t like to tell people my genotype because I feel they’d think I’m sick,” the singer, who is a graduate of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), told Vee.
Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disease of the red blood cells (RBCs) in which there aren’t enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body of those who suffer the condition.
If not properly managed, the condition could have devastating consequences for those afflicted with it’s early signs including swelling of the hands and feet; anaemia symptoms; fatigue, and jaundice.
We are deeply impressed with Laycon’s strength in the face of adversity. The SC genotype is the second most common type of sickle cell disorder and is prevalent in South-Western Nigeria. pic.twitter.com/OukKsoM6o3
— SCAF Nigeria (@SCAF_Nigeria) September 23, 2020
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Fans of the reality show have since taken to Twitter to register their different reactions.
While a segment of users think he’s speaking about it now to secure “sympathy votes”, others call out Erica, who was disqualified after a bust-up with the ‘Fierce’ crooner, for using his health status against him during their confrontation.
Laycon’s revelation also comes a few days to the BBNaija’s finals.
“It’s only natural to believe Laycon brought up his genotype on the final week as a strategy to win him more votes but, hey let’s face it, knowing that Laycon is SC doesn’t even change the fact that the boy got game and he is walking away the winner sickle cell or not,” a user wrote.
Contrarily, another wrote: “If Laycon want make him talk say him get HIV, we will still support Dorothy to win. For the fact that she was nice to Kiddwaya, we are OK…no be only sickle cell.”
It’s only natural to believe Laycon brought up his Genotype on the final week as a strategy to win him more votes but hey let’s face it, knowing that Laycon is SC doesn’t even change the fact that the boy got game and he is walking away the winner Sickle cell or not.
— Valar Morghulis #BBNaija (@tommy_viccetti) September 23, 2020
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If Laycon want make him talk say him get HIV, we will still support Dorothy to win. For the fact that she was nice to Kiddwaya we are OK…no be only sickle cell.
— Krayzie Tee Atu (@tee_atu) September 23, 2020
It is believed that those with SC outlive those with SS genotypes and have fewer painful episodes. But this disorder is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality, especially after age 30.
Below are fans’ reactions:
Laycon is SC, that’s why it hurts sooo much when he’s body shamed and those words used on him that night still hurts me till today.
— sms VOTE Laycon to 32052 (@SwedishRat) September 22, 2020
Most of you had to find out Laycon is SC to realize that body shaming him was wrong?
Omooo I no even understand again
— valking ♔ (@_VALKlNG) September 23, 2020
Chill, Erica knew Laycon had sickle cell disease and still used it against him by using those foul words about his drugs and looks? Nah, when I say y'all should avoid people who defend that bitch, y'all would think I'm harsh
— Clinton (@clint_een) September 23, 2020
I never knew there was SC, CC & AC genotypes. I enjoyed the way he explained the types & ended up creating massive Sickle Cell awareness.
If you ask me, I think the show has to have more educative content.
This will be my first time vote for any housemate & Laycon have my vote.
— NEFERTITI (@firstladyship) September 23, 2020
SC is not Sickle Cell, SC is different from SS. SC is just like AS. Laycon is not sick and he didn’t say it to look for pity votes, he only answered the question Neo asked him and if he had to do this it would have been done in the early time . #bbnaija #VOTELayconFiercely pic.twitter.com/m3cRwegHrb
— LAYCON'S BACKBONE (@olahdehle) September 23, 2020
Laycon is SC
I've got the double 'S'
September is 'Sickle Cell Awareness month' and I can say this is this best Genotype campaign I've seen.
Even world sickle cell day didn't trend like this 4 months ago 😁😁😁
God bless Laycon
— Ms'Onílèkè(BRACELETS 🔌) (@oluwajobabiola) September 23, 2020
Laycon Is SC And Everyone Been Doing Like One Good And Nice Person 🤔🤔
Your Cousin That Is Sickle Cell Patient Too ..
How Do U Treat Him/Her ?Do U Pray For Him Or Her The Way U Dey Type Long Long Notes To Pray For Laycon?
Just Vote For Laycon And Focus On Your Life.
— Imperfection The EP (@IamGeeworld) September 23, 2020
Laycon told me about the Sickle Cell stuff way back in 2017 and well now that he has mentioned it himself, here is what he said about the condition pic.twitter.com/zm34qTUo2k
— Mr MatchMaker (@Tha_Mentalist) September 23, 2020
You don't have to know that Laycon has the sickle cell gene in order to be kind to him, or not bodyshame him. A lot of people have battles they fight despite walking around with a smile on their face.
Be kind to one another
We all are fighting battles.
— Aproko Doctor (@aproko_doctor) September 23, 2020
just becos laycon said he is SC yesterday,many are wishing him bad well,2 correct u pls 1,SC is sickle cell 2,Yes SC is diff 4rm SS.d diff btw someone with SC and SS is in d severity of anemia. Individuals with SC tend 2 have less severe anemic crisis than people with SS.Thanks.
— TeePha😘😘😘 (@Teepha75) September 23, 2020
For those asking:
The SC gene and the SS gene are similar in the fact that both cause the Sickle Cell Disease.
The combination of two S genes from either parent or one S and one C from either parent.
Laycon has the SC variant. Which is a milder form, with most of the symptoms
— Aproko Doctor (@aproko_doctor) September 23, 2020
Ss, sc, cc are all form of sickle cell. Sc is usually less severe than ss. Laycon may have had crises when he was younger but wasn't detected due to unforeseen circumstance. For someone who have been bullied so much, he is very strong.#BBNaija
— güzel (@Lekaranlik) September 22, 2020
Laycon : My genotype is SC
Dora: Guess that's why you're slim
Laycon: I don't tell people my genotype because I feel they'd think I'm sick
Vee : But have I ever asked you if you're sick?
Laycon: No, because you get sense.
My siblingship😍😍😍😍 #BBNaija pic.twitter.com/Bm3UmFSEMC
— BBNAIJA VEE | NEO| LAYCON |LOVNN (@shenkeses) September 22, 2020
Laycon just proved to be one of the greatest sickle cell warriors living, man just proved that against all odds you can become just what you set your heart to. You've just set a path for every warrior out here. I love you Laycon #VOTELayconFiercely
— Oluwasetemilayo (@temi_layor) September 23, 2020
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