Rapper Megan Thee Stallion hospitalised after falling ill during Broadway performance in New York

Megan Thee Stallion's Broadway run has hit an alarming early setback. The Grammy-winning rapper was rushed to a New York City hospital on Tuesday night after falling ill during a performance of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, less than two weeks into what was supposed to be an eight-week theatrical debut.

"During Tuesday night's production, Megan started feeling very ill and was promptly transported to a local hospital, where her symptoms are currently being evaluated," her representative confirmed in a statement. "We will share additional updates as more information becomes available."

Audience members at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre described a performance that started normally before coming to an abrupt halt. Loren LoRosa, a producer for The Breakfast Club who was in attendance, shared what happened on X, writing that the show was suddenly stopped mid-performance and the audience was told to stay seated.

An understudy stepped in to complete the remainder of the show. Her role as Harold Zidler was taken over and completed with strong audience support. The concern was quickly confirmed by those close to her. Megan's hairstylist and close friend Kellon Deryck posted on X: "Everyone say a prayer for Megan, we are all at the hospital."

Megan made her Broadway debut on March 24th, stepping into the role of Harold Zidler, the eccentric, larger-than-life master of ceremonies at the Moulin Rouge nightclub.

She is the first female performer to play the role, joining a list of previous celebrity Zidlers that includes Boy George, Wayne Brady, Tituss Burgess, and Bob the Drag Queen. The role was originated by Tony Award winner Danny Burstein.

During her opening week, Megan incorporated her own hits into the show, performing 'Body', 'WAP', and 'Savage' alongside the production's existing repertoire, a blend that drew strong reviews for her stage presence and willingness to push creatively into new territory.

She had described joining the production as an honour, saying: "Broadway demands a different level of discipline, preparation and storytelling, but I'm up for the challenge."

Moulin Rouge! The Musical, which has run on Broadway for seven years, is scheduled to close on July 26th after 2,265 regular performances, making it the 36th longest-running show in Broadway history. Megan's run was scheduled to end on May 17th. Whether she will be able to return remains unclear.

No cause for the illness has been disclosed. Updates are expected as her condition is assessed.

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