Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Entertainment
Seamus Duff

Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Nicholas Brendon gives update on genital paralysis ordeal

Buffy The Vampire Slayer star Nicholas Brendon has given fresh insight into his ongoing genital paralysis ordeal.

The troubled 50-year-old actor has previously explained that he is suffering from a painful paralysis in his genitals – and also experiencing issues in his legs and back.

The star – who played well-meaning sidekick Xander Harris in ‘90s teen classic series Buffy The Vampire Slayer – says he is now struggling to walk as he battles the rare illness.

Nicholas – who has struggled with depression and alcoholism in the years since his Buffy fame – has been forced to pull out of promoting his new film project, Wanton Want.

Troubled actor Nicholas Brendon has been forced to pull out of promoting his new movie due to health issues (Vigo County Jail)

The actor’s manager, Theresa Fortier, told the Daily Mail: “Right now he is concentrating on his health. He is not doing promotion for the film.

“This past week and a half, things have turned drastically worse. He is suffering from paralysis in his genitals and private parts.”

She continued: “He has had difficulties with flying.

“Sadly, his condition means he needs surgical intervention for his increasing problems. I wish he was on the mend and able to promote this movie.”

Nicholas famously played Xander Harris alongside co-stars Alyson Hannigan, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Charisma Carpenter (BBC)

Other reports have stated Nicholas is suffering from a condition called Cauda equina syndrome – which affects nerve roots in the spine.

The condition can cause the movement and feeling of genitals, the bladder and bowel to be cut off and is treated via surgery.

While Nicholas’s manager is also quoted as suggesting the fact the TV star was forced to sleep on a concrete floor after being arrested last month for using a fake ID to try an buy prescription drugs exacerbated the condition.

Theresa said: “Sleeping on a cement floor with other inmates was not exactly conducive to healing and it aggravated his injury and since then he has been in immense pain with numbness and paralysis.”

Nicholas previously explained he was going to have surgery to help his condition back in February this year.

He revealed the details of his illness when Buffy fans pressured him to comment on allegations by co-star Charisma Carpenter, who played Cordelia Chase, had made against show creator Joss Whedon.

The actor has had health and alcohol issues (WireImage)
Nicholas played Xander across all seven seasons of Buffy (Fox TV)

Nicholas said at the time via a Facebook video: “If you don’t mind, I’m going to get some spinal surgery tomorrow and heal and come up with a statement that represents me.

“Most of you guys have been really wonderful, but there are a couple that … I don’t owe you a God-damn thing.

“So stop treating any celebrity like they owe you anything statement-wise. They just don’t!”

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.