Taylor Momsen, the 32-year-old singer and Gossip Girl alumna, shared a series of alarming health updates from Mexico City on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 14–15, 2026. While opening for AC/DC’s Power Up Tour at the Estadio GNP Seguros, Momsen was bitten by a venomous spider that she described as having “taken a chunk” out of her.
The “Spider-Woman” Saga
The incident reportedly began around April 8, shortly after the band’s first performance in the city.
Initial Reaction: Momsen was initially treated on-site with a shot from medics and managed to perform during the tour’s second night on April 11.
Hospitalization: By Tuesday, April 14, the situation worsened. Momsen posted photos of a sprawling red rash and splotches extending from her knee to her ankle. Doctors decided to admit her for overnight observation and treatment.
The “Show Must Go On”: True to her rock-and-roll spirit, Momsen remained optimistic, writing: “Hospital today, show tomorrow, poisonous spiders are NO BUENO… But the show must go on, see you tomorrow Mexico City!”
A Pattern of Unusual Animal Encounters
This spider bite marks a bizarre case of “lightning striking twice” for the singer. Just two years ago, while also touring with AC/DC in Seville, Spain, Momsen was famously bitten by a bat that flew onto the stage and latched onto her leg. That incident required a painful series of rabies shots.
Addressing the coincidence, Momsen joked on Instagram: “So it wouldn’t be an AC/DC tour if I didn’t get bit… Spider woman? Batgirl?… WTF.”
The Mystery Species: What Bit Her?
While Momsen has not identified the specific arachnid, experts and local reports suggest two primary candidates common to the Mexico City region:
Brown Recluse Spiders: Common in urban Mexico City, their bites are known to cause significant skin splotches, ulcers, and rashes.
Mexican Wandering Spiders: Typically found in more southern regions, these can grow up to 5 inches (“massive”) and possess a potent venom that causes intense systemic reactions.
The Pretty Reckless: Upcoming 2026 Plans
Despite the health scare, it is a landmark year for the band.
New Music: The Pretty Reckless is scheduled to release a new single, “Love Me,” this Friday.
New Album: Their fifth studio album, Dear God, is slated for release on June 26, 2026.
Touring: After wrapping up in Mexico, the band will join AC/DC for a U.S. Stadium Tour starting in July, followed by a headlining UK Tour in November 2026.