Erykah Badu revealed that she tested positive for COVID-19—but only in one nostril. The singer took to Twitter on Friday (Nov. 13) to share the news that she received inconsistent diagnosis after being tested for the virus for work. Badu said she was tested on both nostrils, and her left nostril tested positive while her right tested negative.
“No symptoms. Was tested for COVID. Same machine. Left nostril positive . Right nostril negative. Maybe they need to call Swiss Beats so they can do a versus between them,” she quipped. “Funny thing is, Dr. ONLY reported the positive result. What the fack is goin on here. Rapid Test. $$$$ smh.”
She also shared a screenshot of her results with her fans on Twitter that reported the conflicting results for her test.
She shared a video of herself explaining the situation to her fans and said that she had to get tested for work. “This is my third rapid test in 24 hours. SMH. It’s routine to take c19 test before a livestream broadcast for all band and crew,” she shared. “Earlier I took 2 and one was positive the other neg in separate nostrils ?? We need to investigate these tests further. I want my $ back.”
When a fan suggested that she takes a different test instead of rapid at-home testing, the Grammy winner said that it was required for her to take the one with quicker results. “This is what our job requirement is girl. This is what the production provides. I have no other reason to take it,” she shared.
Fans shared their well wishes with her and said they hoped she had a speedy recovery but she didn’t seem as concerned, even with her positive result. “I feel fine. Ain’t shit wrong wit the kid,” she wrote to one fan, and, “Boy I’m not sick,” to another.
“I don’t feel bad at all . We have to take those routine COVID tests to work on set. I’m Gucci. But thanks,” she also shared.
A fan mentioned that Elon Musk had shared a similar experience with testing recently. The businessman took to Twitter on Friday (Nov. 13) to say he experienced inconsistencies with his COVID tests.
“Something extremely bogus is going on. Was tested for covid four times today. Two tests came back negative, two came back positive,” he tweeted. “Same machine, same test, same nurse. Rapid antigen test from BD.”
Although they are cheaper and more accessible to people, experts have previously shared that they are doubtful about cheap, rapid testing and have warned that they will not work or be as accurate as promised.