URGENT UPDATE: Renowned psychologist Jordan Peterson is “taking some time off of everything” as he grapples with a severe health crisis linked to mold exposure, his daughter Mikhaila Peterson announced earlier today. The 62-year-old Canadian author is suffering from chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS), a condition that has significantly impacted his health and well-being.
In a post on X, Mikhaila revealed that her father has been dealing with this debilitating illness due to a genetic predisposition that hampers his immune system’s ability to detoxify mold and bacteria from indoor air. She explained that while this genetic issue affects about 25 percent of the population, Peterson experiences a severe variant.
Mikhaila disclosed that this health setback worsened after her father was exposed to a particularly moldy environment while cleaning out her grandfather’s house. “He’s really been suffering from this badly since 2017; we just didn’t know what it was called,” she stated. This latest health scare follows Peterson’s past struggles, including his battle with benzodiazepine addiction, which he sought treatment for in 2019.
“Recently, he has been feeling the impact of CIRS more and more,” Mikhaila explained, emphasizing that this condition is behind his multiple health issues and food sensitivities. She clarified that he is not currently on any medication, asserting, “This isn’t about akathisia or medication. It’s an immune system dysfunction.”
The announcement comes as Peterson has noticeably struggled in recent public appearances, raising concerns among his supporters. Mikhaila noted that his podcast is currently paused as they navigate this challenging period, but she remains hopeful for a “somewhat speedy recovery” now that they have a diagnosis.
“We finally know what’s been going on,” she expressed, urging recognition of mold exposure as a serious health threat that is often overlooked by the medical community. “The fact that this is the cause behind our food sensitivities and inability to tolerate anything other than meat is absurd,” she added.
In addition to his health challenges, Peterson and his family-run online education venture, Peterson Academy, is facing scrutiny from former students alleging expulsion for expressing dissent. The Academy, which offers courses on free speech and has been criticized for its management, has come under fire for its treatment of students voicing concerns.
Meanwhile, Peterson’s real estate ventures in Paradise Valley, Arizona, reportedly amount to over $50 million, including the purchase of a high-profile estate previously owned by NHL team owner Alex Meruelo. His prominence in the media sparked a global audience, especially following his viral videos opposing Canadian Bill C-16 in late 2016.
As Peterson steps back from public life to focus on his health, supporters and critics alike are watching closely for updates on his condition and the future of his educational initiatives. The situation remains fluid, and Mikhaila is urging people to understand the serious implications of mold exposure on health, which she believes will become a more widely acknowledged issue in the coming years.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the Peterson family navigates this challenging time.
