Montel Williams Shares His Journey with Multiple Sclerosis on Fox Nation

BURBANK, CALIFORNIA — Montel Williams, the renowned television host, shared his life-altering experience with multiple sclerosis (MS) in an exclusive episode of ‘Sean‘ on Fox Nation. Speaking candidly about the moment he was diagnosed in 1999, Williams recalled his doctor’s stark warning.

“He looked me in the face in his office and said, ‘You know the type of MS you’re in, when it hits people of your race, it normally is really very debilitating,’” Williams recounted. He was taken aback, as he did not expect a diagnosis of MS, a condition thought to primarily affect White individuals.

After experiencing severe pain in his feet and legs following a flight, Williams sought medical help. A specialist confirmed his diagnosis. “It was like you took a fire poker, shoved it right up to my heel, into my shins, and it was there 24 hours a day,” he said, reflecting on the intensity of his symptoms.

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that disrupts the central nervous system, affecting the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. There is currently no cure, but various treatments are available to help manage symptoms.

Shortly after his diagnosis, doctors urged Williams to step back from his television career. “All these things are too stressful for you,” he remembered being told. Although he was advised to slow down, Williams instead pressed on, even as his pain intensified.

During this time, he began to rely heavily on opioids, admitting, “I was on Vicodin, Percocets, Vicocets. Any one of the sets I took.” He battled with addiction for nearly two years, using a morphine drip at one point. Williams recognized it was time for a change when a doctor intervened.

After addressing his opioid dependency, Williams adopted a vegan diet, which he credits for reducing inflammation associated with MS. “The biggest nemesis of MS is inflammation, so I wanted to reduce the inflammation,” he explained. He emphasized the importance of psychological coping strategies in managing his condition.

The full interview featuring Montel Williams is now available on Fox Nation, where he continues to inspire others facing similar challenges.