James Blake defends girlfriend Jameela Jamil against 'sick' Munchausen claims: 'You don't know this woman'
James Blake is joining Jameela Jamil in the fight against those who claim that The Good Place star has lied about her illnesses and injuries with a statement about the lumps and scars that he’s seen firsthand.
The singer took to Twitter on Friday to defend his longtime girlfriend after Jamil had spoken out about “being gaslit” on Wednesday. In her own tweets, the actress and activist brought attention to her struggles with Ehlers Danlos — an invisible illness that affects the skin, joints and blood vessels — after being accused of having Munchausen syndrome by people online. Now, Blake is explaining that he’s seen her pain.
“I am there for her swollen joints, her dislocations, her severe allergic reactions, her constant high fevers. I was there for her concussion, her 3 months of seizures, and for all her operations and their complications due to EDS,” Blake wrote. “I can feel the lumps in her back from the car accident and see all the scars. I am there when she turns down amazing job opportunities because of her health limitations. I actually live with her.”
I would have spoken on this earlier but Jameela asked me not to. Please read x pic.twitter.com/edpC3BRwd8
— James Blake (@jamesblake) February 14, 2020
Blake went on to acknowledge Jamil’s privilege, which she often does herself, and how she uses it to lift up other people and causes. However, he addressed the role that that same privilege can have in disguising her illness. “Her being attractive, tall, and successful doesn’t mean she hasn’t been sick,” he wrote.
Many people in the replies related to the struggle of having an invisible illness like Jamil. Some even praised Blake for bringing more awareness to it and for being a supportive partner.
Invisible illnesses like EDS or ME/CFS are devastating and those who suffer through them have to put up with so much unnecessary ridicule from people who have no idea what they're talking about. Thank you for raising awareness, may all beings with illness experience wellness.
— bearded sweater man (@tempo511) February 14, 2020
I don't think people realise the energy it must take for her to just get out of bed some days, nevermind travel and have a successful career. She's absolutely smashing it, and I'm sorry that you both have to go through this. 💜
— Katt ? Strike (@KattStrike) February 14, 2020
You are amazing. So is she. With #EDS or any invisible illness having a partner/carer who sees, understands and doesn't pressure, belittle or disbelieve these very real & debilitating symptoms and issues makes YOU a true hero. Please make sure you get care & support too. 🙏💜
— Matzuma Li (@Matzuma_Li) February 14, 2020
Despite the outpouring of love and support for Jamil throughout the past several days, Blake clarified that he hadn’t written anything prior because she didn’t want him to. Now, it seemed too serious to stand by.
“You don’t know this woman...You don’t know what her life is, and has been like. But I do, and I’m not gonna stand by and let some total strangers try to push my girlfriend over the edge,” he wrote. “It’s sick to watch.”
Jamil responded to Blake’s sentiment by calling him her “best friend” and “biggest love.”
You’re my best friend and my biggest love @jamesblake https://t.co/c105Whetoa
— Jameela Jamil 🌈 (@jameelajamil) February 14, 2020
Shout out to a real one. @jamesblake pic.twitter.com/4U0CkycsTJ
— Jameela Jamil 🌈 (@jameelajamil) February 14, 2020
“Shout out to a real one,” she tweeted.
Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:
Jameela Jamil has come out as 'queer.' But what does that mean?
Jameela Jamil says she's decided to 'adopt straight white male privilege'
Jameela Jamil calls out writer who mistook her for Priyanka Chopra: 'You can't even tell us apart'
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