San Antonio rapper, songwriter, and actress Megan Thee Stallion reportedly fell ill during her performance as Harold Zigler in Moulin Rouge: The Musical at the Al Hirschfeld Theater in New York City on March 31.
Later that night, her close friend and celebrity hairstylist Kellon Deryck tweeted:
“Everyone, say a prayer for Megan, we are all at the hospital.”
While netizens thought it was a poorly-landed April Fool’s joke, the rapper’s representative later confirmed the news to CBS News New York’s reporter, Loren LoRosa, who was in attendance. LoRosa, who goes by BROWN GIRL GRINDING, shared the update via X:
“During Tuesday night’s production, Megan started feeling very ill and was promptly transported to a local hospital, where her symptoms are currently being evaluated. We will share additional updates as more information becomes available.”
In a prior tweet, LoRosa revealed she went to see Megan Thee Stallion, 31, on Broadway, but the experience was “short-lived” as the actress never returned after the opening scenes. Until then, she was “excited” and the Mamushi artist was “great on stage”:
“They just stopped Moulin Rouge mid-show, apologized to the audience and said, ‘Stay inside and seated.’ I asked the security if we’re safe… They told us, ‘For now, we’ll update you if anything changes.”
In a follow-up update, LoRosa shared that Megan Thee Stallion was quickly replaced by another actor, but “no explanation” was given as to why she was “removed.”
More about Kellon Deryck amid Megan Thee Stallion’s hospitalization
Kellon Deryck, 38, is a native of Atlanta, Georgia, where he trained at Aveda Institute. As a teenager, he was also a hair apprentice. Last November, Megan Thee Stallion’s friend and hairstylist reflected on his career path. Deryck told ESSENCE:
“My hair journey started in high school, back when I was a shampoo assistant just trying to soak up everything I could. I didn’t realize it then, but I was learning the language of hair: how it moves, how it reacts, and how it makes people feel.”
However, his path to success wasn’t without obstacles. He swept floors, assisted senior stylists, and struggled all the way to the top by nurturing relationships and making connections with artists and creatives who helped him “elevate hair beyond the salon chair.”
Now two decades later, he is the founder and owner of the haircare line, Flawless Illusion, and is based in Los Angeles, California. Kellon is also a beauty ambassador and Instagram star, who has over 596,000 followers. He continued stating:
“Hair has always felt like art to me. Even before I had clients, I was fascinated by transformation and how a cut or a style could completely shift someone’s energy and confidence… I realized it the first time I saw a client look in the mirror and light up. That moment of joy is addictive. It felt like witnessing superpowers. That energy hooked me”
Kellon Deryck also shared loving the “shift” in look when someone is in his chair:
“It’s not just physical—it’s emotional. It’s powerful to help someone step into their best self. Hair connects people; it’s trust, creativity, and a shared experience that transcends trends.”
Recently, Deryck collaborated with Ghostbond, a brand selling the first-ever skin-matched and scented wig adhesives. In 2021, he also served as the Crème of Nature’s brand ambassador.
According to nativeson.us, Kellon is the man behind Megan Thee Stallion’s “headline-grabbing hairstyles” in magazine cover shoots, music videos, brand campaigns, and more.
For instance, her 2020 BET Awards, 2021 Grammys, and 2025 Dream Con anime-inspired looks were created by Deryck. He was also Megan’s stylist on the music videos for Thot Sh*t (2021), Her (2022), Not My Fault (2024), and Lover Girl (2025).
In fact, just last week, the hairdresser shared multiple images of Megan Thee Stallion’s Broadway look. The caption read:
“Congratulations to my best friend @theestallion on her Broadway debut! This is super major! Broadway will never be the same! Make sure y’all come check out the show! #kellonderyck #broadwayhair.”
Speaking with Dyson.com in 2021, Deryck shared how he focuses on maintaining the “integrity” of Megan Thee Stallion’s hair and helps her with her hair health journey. When asked about his favorite look of the rapper, her hairstylist replied:
“I love all the looks that we do together because they are so uniquely different. She plays in lots of colors and different eras of hair. The monochromatic looks that we have achieved are some of my favorites.”
However, he cited her orange-themed red carpet look and the iconic Marilyn Bob as perhaps the most memorable. He also told ESSENCE:
“I love a sleek, sculpted install, anything that blends precision with artistry. Whether it’s a pixie cut or a long glam wave, I’m drawn to styles that enhance the client’s bone structure and personality. Every look should feel like it was made just for them.”
Speaking with Uptown Magazine in 2021, Kellon echoed similar sentiments:
“I love to create head-turning and trendsetting hairstyles, but above all, I believe in taking care of the hair underneath protective styles, the way it naturally grows out of the scalp…”
Deryck uplifts his clients by reminding them that “beauty isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence.” He told ESSENCE what he tells his clients:
“When you walk in owning your look, your energy, and your individuality, that’s when you’re truly radiant.”
Besides Megan Thee Stallion, Kellon Deryck has worked with other hip-hop industry insiders, including Yung Miami and Jatavia Shakara Johnson. His other clients include singer, songwriter, and TV personality Keyshia Cole, Golden Globe-winning actress Taraji P. Henson, singer Missy Elliott, and actress-musician Michaela Jae Rodriguez. His social media content is often a combination of:
“Latest coif creations, tips for the next generation of hairstylists, and an occasional look-of-the-day post.”
Megan Thee Stallion, whose real name is Megan Pete, made her Broadway debut on March 24 and is scheduled to perform until May 17.
Keep reading Soap Central for more such informative articles.
Also Read: What happened to Megan Thee Stallion? Fans’ concerns over rapper’s abrupt exit from the ‘Moulin Rouge’ Broadway show
Edited by Pallavi K