Muni Long's Brave Battle: Understanding Lupus And Her Journey

Muni Long, the acclaimed singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice and unforgettable hits like "Hrs & Hrs," has captivated audiences worldwide with her talent. However, behind the scenes of her soaring career, she has been silently battling a formidable opponent: lupus. This chronic autoimmune disease has profoundly impacted her life, and in recent times, Muni Long has bravely chosen to open up about her struggles, offering fans and the public an intimate glimpse into living with a chronic, invisible illness.

Her decision to share details about her experience with lupus has resonated deeply with many, shedding light on a condition that often goes misunderstood. Through exclusive interviews with outlets like PEOPLE and candid updates on social media, Muni Long is not just sharing her story; she's becoming a powerful advocate for awareness and understanding.

What is Lupus? An Invisible Battle

Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system, which is designed to fight off infections, mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues and organs. This can affect various parts of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs. The unpredictable nature of lupus, with its fluctuating symptoms and periods of flares and remission, makes it a particularly challenging condition to manage.

It's a disease that disproportionately affects certain demographics. As Muni Long, who is 36 years old, lives with lupus, it's important to note that this autoimmune disease is particularly prevalent among Black women, with around 1 in 250 developing it. This statistic underscores the importance of increased awareness and research within specific communities.

Muni Long's Lupus Journey: A Timeline of Diagnosis and Disclosure

Muni Long's battle with lupus is not a recent development. The singer-songwriter was initially diagnosed with the autoimmune disease back in 2014. Despite this early diagnosis, it wasn't until last year that she began to publicly disclose her condition, offering a glimpse into the toll it takes on her life.

While some reports indicate her diagnosis year as 2018, the consistent narrative points to her being "initially diagnosed with back in 2014." Regardless of the exact year of initial diagnosis, her decision to go public last year marked a significant turning point, allowing her to share her ongoing battle with fans and the broader community. This disclosure has been crucial in demystifying the disease and connecting with others who might be facing similar challenges.

Opening Up: Symptoms, Struggles, and Public Updates

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Muni Long detailed living with lupus and how she struggles with its various symptoms. Living with a chronic autoimmune disease means navigating a daily reality filled with unpredictable challenges. She has been open about the physical and emotional burden that lupus places on her, offering a raw and honest perspective on her life.

Her transparency extends to social media, where she provides health updates to her followers. On Sunday, December 3rd, for instance, the singer took to X/Twitter to provide a health update, venting about her ongoing battle. These candid posts offer real-time insights into her experience, fostering a sense of community and understanding among her fans.

The Impact on Her Performance and Daily Life

For a performing artist, managing a chronic illness like lupus presents unique obstacles. Muni Long has openly discussed how her battle with lupus impacts her ability to perform. The physical demands of touring, recording, and live performances can be exhausting for anyone, but for someone managing an autoimmune disease, these demands are amplified. Grammy-winning singer Muni Long has opened up about the challenges of managing the disease and the importance of setting boundaries to protect her health and well-being, especially when it comes to her career.

Her discussions, including a chat with ET's Kevin Frazier on the red carpet at the BET Awards, highlight the constant balancing act between her passion for music and the necessities of self-care. It's an invisible fight that she battles behind the scenes, yet she continues to deliver unforgettable hits and powerful performances.

Beyond Lupus: Muni Long's Autism Diagnosis

In a further testament to her incredible honesty, Muni Long recently revealed another significant health detail. On the same Sunday, December 3rd, when she vented about her lupus battle on Twitter, she also revealed that she's autistic. This revelation adds another layer to her health journey, as she believes this different condition has impacted or even worsened her autoimmune disease.

The "Hrs & Hrs" singer took to social media over the weekend to share she has autism and how it has impacted her lupus. This connection between her autism and lupus is something she is exploring and sharing with her audience, further emphasizing the complex interplay of various health conditions and their effects on an individual's life.

A Voice for Awareness: Muni Long's Advocacy

By sharing her story, Muni Long is doing more than just informing her fans; she's becoming a vital voice for awareness. An acclaimed singer-songwriter, she has opened up about her daily battle with lupus, an auto-immune disease, encouraging a broader conversation about chronic illnesses. Her bravery in revealing such personal details helps to destigmatize these conditions and provides comfort and solidarity to countless others who are living with similar struggles.

Her platform allows her to reach a wide audience, transforming her personal challenges into a source of education and inspiration. She exemplifies resilience, demonstrating that it's possible to pursue one's dreams while navigating the complexities of chronic health issues.

Who is Muni Long? A Glimpse at Her Career

Before she became a household name with "Hrs & Hrs," Muni Long, whose real name is Priscilla Renea Hamilton (born September 14, 1988), had already established herself as a prolific songwriter in the music industry. Known professionally as Muni Long (pronounced "money long”), she has penned lyrics that have been sung by a constellation of stars, including Ariana Grande, Rihanna, Chris Brown, Madonna, Demi Lovato, and countless others. Her transition from a behind-the-scenes hitmaker to a celebrated recording artist in her own right has been a testament to her immense talent and dedication.

Her journey as an artist continues to evolve, even as she manages her health. Her presence at events like the 2025 Billboard Women in Music, where she attended at YouTube Theater in Inglewood, California, further solidifies her standing as a significant figure in contemporary music.

In summary, Muni Long's decision to openly discuss her lupus diagnosis, initially diagnosed in 2014 and publicly disclosed last year, has provided an invaluable insight into the realities of living with a chronic autoimmune disease. Her candid updates on social media and in interviews highlight the daily struggles with symptoms, the impact on her performing career, and the importance of setting boundaries. Furthermore, her recent revelation about also being autistic and its perceived connection to her lupus adds another layer to her health journey, making her a powerful advocate for understanding complex health conditions. Muni Long's bravery in sharing her personal battle not only raises awareness for lupus but also inspires countless individuals facing their own invisible fights, solidifying her role as a resilient artist and a compassionate voice for health advocacy.