Manganiello details 7-year autoimmune battle, emergency intestine removal in new memoir
The ABC News segment features Joe Manganiello discussing his new memoir "Bloodlines," in which he reveals a previously undisclosed 7-year battle with an undiagnosed autoimmune disorder that began shortly after his 2015 marriage to Sofia Vergara. He describes severe symptoms including abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, fevers and fatigue, leading to a 2016 emergency surgery removing his septic large intestine while he was unconscious; Vergara authorized the procedure that saved his life but left him with an ostomy bag and significant weight loss. Manganiello opens up about suicidal thoughts, handing over his gun, fears of pain medications as a recovering addict, career setbacks, and how the illness contributed to the end of the marriage and shelved plans for children. The interview ends on a positive note with his current remission, engagement to Caitlin O'Connor, and lessons about identity beyond physical health or fame. Sourcing centers on Manganiello's firsthand account from the memoir (released Oct. 13, 2026), with clips from his roles and direct interview responses; no independent medical records or named physicians are shown. Vergara did not respond to ABC's request for comment on his claims, though her son's Instagram post about "narcissistic men" (which she reposted) is referenced as media speculation. The throughline emphasizes resilience, hidden struggles behind celebrity image, and finding purpose after crisis.
Source: ABC News
