Alabama Barker, the 19-year-old daughter of Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, has spoken out to dispel recent rumors surrounding her health. In a since-deleted Instagram story on December 31, Alabama clarified details about her hospitalization, which had been linked to nicotine withdrawal. She addressed the misinformation spreading online and wrote:
"I just want to clarify that I was not in the hospital this month or last."
She explained on her now-deleted Instagram story that the hospitalization took place a while ago and was not as severe as reports suggested.
"The situation occurred some time ago, and I was there for about three hours before being discharged. They provided me with a nicotine patch and an inhaler, and that’s all," she continued. Alabama ended her post with a plea, "Let’s please avoid spreading any rumors and focus on moving forward. Thank you."
Alabama Barker's dispelling rumors about her health
On Monday, TMZ reported that Alabama Barker had recently been hospitalized after abruptly quitting vaping. According to the outlet, the decision to stop vaping "cold turkey" left her feeling unwell and panicked, prompting her to call 911.
Medical professionals advised her that sudden nicotine withdrawal, even in occasional users, can cause significant symptoms, including anxiety and discomfort.
The outlet also noted that Alabama's decision to quit vaping stemmed from her desire to prioritize her music career. Industry insiders reportedly encouraged her to give up vaping to protect her voice as she pursues a future in rap music. While Alabama did not confirm whether she has quit vaping, her Instagram story clarified that the incident was not recent and lasted only a few hours.
Alabama Barker has been vocal about her passion for music, particularly rap, and has faced criticism over her choice to pursue a career in the genre. In 2023, she addressed online trolls who doubted her understanding of rap music, stating:
"Since I could walk, I was in the music industry. I was watching my dad perform in punk bands, rock bands, in rap concerts, everything."
To further assert her credibility, Alabama Barker shared photos of herself with renowned rap artists such as Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, and A$AP Ferg. She described her upbringing as a blend of punk rock and rap influences, saying:
"I’ve been influenced by rap my entire upbringing and punk rock."
Her commitment to music became evident in December 2024 when she released the music video for her single Vogue. The visually striking video features her father, Travis Barker, and her stepmother, Kourtney Kardashian-Barker, as guest stars. The storyline showcases Alabama and Kourtney arriving at a runway event surrounded by paparazzi, exuding glamour as they fan themselves with $100 bills.
Alabama's hospitalization incident, which reportedly involved symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, has drawn attention to the challenges faced by those attempting to quit vaping. Health professionals often advise a gradual approach to quitting nicotine products to minimize withdrawal effects.