Last Wednesday, Jamaican music icon Vybz Kartel, whose real name is Adidjah Palmer, was released from prison after spending 13 years behind bars. Kartel, who walked free on July 31 following a unanimous decision against a retrial in the murder case of Clive “Lizard” Williams, is now prioritizing his health and overall wellness.
In an interview with FOX 5’s Lisa Evers, Vybz Kartel shared his excitement about his newfound freedom and his commitment to improving his health. “Healthwise, you know I’m working on my health right now, but the feeling of just being free is just an amazing feeling,” he said.
Throughout his incarceration, Kartel battled Graves’ Disease, a condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to produce excess thyroid hormones. This condition led to Kartel experiencing severe health issues under what many described as “inhumane” prison conditions. His physician, Dr. Karen Phillips, testified in court that Kartel’s heart function was below normal, putting him at risk of a heart attack or even death in his sleep.
The court’s final decision to release Kartel highlighted the potential risks associated with a retrial and a potentially longer sentence, given his ongoing health struggles. Despite his condition showing no signs of remission, Kartel remains optimistic about his future.
“I could be better, but I’m super upbeat,” he said, revealing that he has already purchased a bike and a treadmill as part of his new health regimen. “I’ve hit the ground running,” he added.
Dr. Phillips, who was previously limited to seeing Kartel only four times a year while he was incarcerated, now plans to monitor him more closely. “I have appointments with my doctor on Monday, so I can have regular meetings with her, you know, and she can keep track of me in real time,” Kartel explained. He also mentioned that Dr. Phillips will be putting him on a special diet to ensure daily monitoring of his health, a significant improvement from his time in prison.
As Vybz Kartel embarks on this new chapter of his life, his focus remains on maintaining his health and well-being, with the support of his medical team and the freedom to pursue a healthier lifestyle.
Read: Vybz Kartel’s heart now operating at 50% capacity, says lawyer
