Don’t Joke About Lupus, a Serious and Life-Threatening Disease

Last night at the 2026 Oscars, comedian Conan O’Brien made a joke during a skit to open the show that negatively associated his appearance with make-up to having lupus. Using lupus as a punchline, especially with millions around the world watching the Oscars is unacceptable and deeply hurtful to anyone living with lupus and to those who care about them. It’s crucial that the public understands more about what lupus really is and that it’s never okay to joke about people living with an illness or disability, including a serious and often life-threatening disease such as lupus.

Lupus is a chronic (long-term) disease that can cause inflammation, significant pain and can be fatal. It’s an autoimmune disease, which means that your immune system - the body system that usually fights infections - attacks healthy tissue instead. Lupus symptoms can be severe and often include painful rashes or sores on the skin, debilitating fatigue and joint pain, and can impact any organ in the body, which can lead to inflammation that can cause serious health issues ranging from kidney failure to stroke

The Lupus Foundation of America remains committed to continuing our efforts to expand awareness and understanding of lupus. There are many ways for people to easily learn more about lupus, such as taking the Lupus Foundation of America’s Know Lupus Quiz, reading our clear and accessible resources on the National Resource Center on Lupus about understanding lupus, and committing to raising lupus awareness with us this May for Lupus Awareness Month and year-round by taking our Purple Pledge. Share these resources with your friends, family and community so that more people can understand what lupus is, how it impacts people and why there is no joking when it comes to lupus.