Patti Smith is speaking out after her harrowing experience onstage made headlines around the world.
On Thursday, January 30, the 78-year-old singer-songwriter took to her account to give an update on her condition after she collapsed amid a performance on Wednesday, January 29, in São Paulo, Brazil.

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The punk rock artist posted a snap of herself smiling, donning a pair of glasses, and styling her grey hair in two braids. In the caption, Smith explained what really happened to her and critiqued those who were exaggerating the situation.
“This is letting everyone know that I am fine. A grossly exaggerated account is being spread by the press and social media,” Smith wrote. “I had some post migraine dizziness. Had a small incident, left the stage, and returned 10 minutes later and talked to the people, told them I was fine and sang them ‘Wing and Because the night.'”
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member stated that she did receive medical attention and that nobody should be worried, writing, “I was checked out by an excellent Doctor [sic] and was absolutely fine. Please do not accept any other story. With all the strife in the world, this explainable incident does not merit so much attention. Thank you everyone for your concern. Trust me I am fine.”
Smith was in South America to present a project called Correspondences with the Soundwalk Collective, an experimental sound art collective. According to their website, the project “traverses a wealth of geographies and their natural environments, where the artists have uncovered sonic steps left by poets, filmmakers, revolutionaries and impact of climate change.”
The musician, who is also an award-winning poet, collapsed while reciting her writings and returned to the stage after being examined by a doctor. She told audience members, “Unfortunately, I got sick, and the doctor said I can’t finish. So we will have to figure something out. And I feel very badly.”
Soundwalk Collective posted a message on their Instagram Story on Wednesday: “Patti has suffered from an intense migraine the past couple days and had some dizziness on stage, but she still wanted to be there for all of us and you and perform today. She is now being cared for by the best doctors in the most loving way and will be back on stage tomorrow night.”
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