A viral claim circulating across X and other social media platforms alleges that Bella Hadid revealed she has only a few days left to live after Lyme disease allegedly caused both of her kidneys to fail. The posts often include emotional wording. However, our investigation found no evidence supporting these claims and recent statements from Hadid directly contradict the rumor.
Social Media Posts
The viral posts claim that the 29-year-old model shared a heartbreaking Instagram Story announcing terminal kidney failure caused by Lyme disease and stating that doctors had given her only days to live.
Fact Check
The Viral Screenshot Appears to Have Been Digitally Altered
Comparing the viral image with Bella Hadid’s original Instagram Story suggests the screenshot was digitally modified. The selfie used in the viral post appears to be from an authentic Story shared by Hadid during a Lyme disease flare-up in late June 2026. The original image described symptoms such as exhaustion, shortness of breath, daily challenges, and frustration with worsening symptoms; it did not mention kidney failure, a terminal diagnosis, or a specific prognosis from doctors.
In the original post, Hadid discussed her struggles with the flare-up, noting symptoms like excessive sleep and difficulty with daily tasks. The viral version includes captions claiming “both my kidneys are failing badly” and stating she had “only a few days left” to live. These statements are not present in the original Story, nor have they been reported by Hadid or reputable news sources. This indicates that imagery from Hadid’s account was used in a post with altered text. (Source)
Bella Hadid’s Recent Health Update Was About a Lyme Disease Flare-Up, Not Imminent Death
The rumor appears to have emerged after Bella Hadid shared an emotional Instagram Story in late June 2026 discussing the reality of living with chronic Lyme disease and multiple related health conditions.
In the post, Hadid appeared tearful and described the frustration of dealing with physical limitations, fatigue, anxiety and unpredictable symptoms associated with chronic illness. She spoke about struggling with everyday tasks and the emotional impact of feeling capable mentally while her body could not keep up physically. However, nowhere did she state that she was dying or that doctors had given her only days to live. In fact, following public concern over the emotional post, Hadid returned to Instagram to reassure fans. She wrote: “I’m sorry if I startled anyone.”
According to multiple reports, she explained that these ups and downs had been part of her reality for the past fifteen years and emphasized that she was simply experiencing an overwhelming emotional moment rather than a life-threatening emergency. (Source)
There Is No Evidence Bella Hadid Has Kidney Failure
Our investigation found no credible reporting indicating that Bella Hadid suffers from kidney failure, let alone failure of both kidneys.
The dramatic quotes circulating online, including claims that “both my kidneys are failing badly” and that doctors gave her “only a few days left to live,” do not appear in any verified interview, social media post, medical statement, or news report.
Searches of reputable outlets covering Hadid’s health update found discussions about chronic fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, anxiety, depression and mobility difficulties associated with Lyme disease, but no mention whatsoever of kidney failure. (Source)
The wording used in the viral post closely resembles the language commonly found in fabricated celebrity death hoaxes that frequently circulate on social media to generate engagement.
Bella Hadid has spoken openly about her diagnosis with Lyme disease for more than a decade. She was diagnosed as a teenager and has repeatedly discussed symptoms including fatigue, chronic pain, cognitive difficulties, anxiety and exhaustion.
In 2023, after more than 100 days of intensive treatment, Hadid announced that she was “finally healthy” and thanked supporters who had followed her journey. Although she has since experienced relapses and flare-ups, recent reporting continues to describe her condition as a chronic illness requiring ongoing management rather than a terminal disease. (Source)
Additionally, no statement from Hadid’s family members, representatives, management team, or major entertainment news organizations has reported a terminal diagnosis or medical emergency. Celebrity health crises involving internationally recognized figures such as Hadid are typically widely reported by multiple reputable outlets, yet no such reporting exists in this case.
Bella Hadid Remains Active on Social Media and Business Projects
The timing of the rumor also conflicts with Bella Hadid’s recent social media activity. On 1 July 2026, the model was actively posting Instagram Stories promoting products from her fragrance and wellness brand, Orebella. The posts focused on marketing and brand engagement rather than any medical emergency or farewell message. (Archive)
While continued social media activity alone cannot prove a person is healthy, it directly contradicts the viral narrative claiming that Hadid had publicly announced she only had “days to live” or was spending her final moments with family. As of July 1, neither Hadid, her family, nor any reputable news organization has reported kidney failure or a terminal prognosis.
While social media activity alone cannot determine a person’s medical condition, the posts are inconsistent with the claim that Hadid had publicly announced she was in her final days or saying goodbye to followers.
Understanding Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia bacteria and transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most patients recover completely when the disease is diagnosed early and treated with antibiotics. However, some individuals continue to experience prolonged symptoms such as fatigue, body aches, pain, and difficulty thinking even after treatment has been completed. The CDC refers to these as prolonged or persistent symptoms following Lyme disease rather than evidence of an active infection continuing indefinitely
Lyme disease can affect multiple organ systems if left untreated, including the nervous system, joints and, in some cases, the heart. However, severe bilateral kidney failure is not recognized as a common complication of Lyme disease in humans. Although isolated medical case reports have described kidney involvement associated with Lyme disease, these cases are considered rare and do not resemble the widespread kidney failure described in the viral posts (Source)
Conclusion
The claim that Bella Hadid announced she had only days to live because Lyme disease caused both of her kidneys to fail is false.
Viral posts repurposed an authentic Instagram Story from Hadid’s recent Lyme disease flare-up, replacing her original captions about exhaustion and chronic illness with fabricated claims of terminal kidney failure. Hadid later reassured followers she was not in immediate danger and apologized for the concern caused by her emotional update.
There is no evidence Hadid has kidney failure or a terminal prognosis. She remains active, recently promoting her fragrance brand, Orebella, while the rumors circulated.
Evidence confirms Hadid is managing a chronic illness with periodic flare-ups rather than facing a medical emergency.
Title: No, Bella Hadid Did Not Announce She Has “Only Days to Live”
Written By: Pranpreeya
Result: False
