Bishop Eddie Long shared a video of himself looking much thinner back in August, prompting concern and speculation about his health. Now, more recent images of his dramatically lighter frame have left social media stunned, with many users expressing concern for the 63-year-old, who returned to his DeKalb County megachurch earlier this month after a lengthy absence.
On Wednesday, Dec. 28, current images and footage surfaced of the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church leader, who has been out of the limelight since he revealed he was struggling with a “health challenge” in September, according to Hip-Hop Wired. However, the new photos of Long have many on social media speculating that the megachurch head is still struggling with his health.
Chocolate Girl 6 thought Long could have contracted gonorrhea.
Bishop #EddieLong look like the clap done got him.
— Chocolate Girl 6 (@_CoDiddy) December 28, 2016
Mac thought only an autoimmune disease could have caused the bishop’s body to be so thin.
In my opinion…#EddieLong has an auto immune disorder of some sort. No way your body will allow itself to deteriorate like that alone.
— Mac (@The_Formrunna) December 28, 2016
Toni Vann was not amused about the guesswork concerning Long’s alleged illness.
https://twitter.com/rashawnleo91/status/814106489417826304
Other commenters had different ideas.
Tracey wanted Long to be honest about his problems.
God's people aren't perfect we know that. But I wish these pastor's would admit & repent. The congregation would respect you more #EddieLong
— Tracey (@sweetsucre) December 28, 2016
BigFolks from 79th also questioned Long’s appearance.
https://twitter.com/FlowsAndolini/status/813974393735049217
Seeming to allude to Long’s 2010 sexual assault allegations, @brijh said what goes around comes around.
Hey Y'all!!! I'm not even going to say one unkind word about Eddie Long. 😐 It is what it is. "Karma is Real!" #ThatsAll
— #BF50💙™️ #BIWOP #Advocacy #Equity #Inclusion (@brijh) December 28, 2016
@ZakzakLatonya said Long was being punished by God.
#Eddielong That's what sin looks like in the physical. You've been totally stripped by the most High
— True Cleopatra (@ZakzakLatonya) December 28, 2016
Long told WSB-TV Sept 7. that he was recuperating from a health issue and his weight loss resulted from a new vegan diet.
“I am recovering from a health challenge that I trust God to deliver me from,” he said. “It is unrelated to the eating-for-life diet consisting of mostly raw vegetables that I am continuing, as part of a holistic approach to good health.”
Following his illness, Long credited God for healing him after a month-long sabbatical, according to Atlanta Black Star.
“I’ve been on a journey and just recalibrating myself,” Long said at New Birth Oct. 9. “And like I said, I had some health issues and God has healed me. The manifestation is coming through, and we stand in that.”
