Zion Foster, ex-fiancé of singer Jesy Nelson, has publicly addressed claims that he abandoned his twin daughters after they were diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 1. Foster stated that his earlier remarks about being "out of my depth" were not an indication of walking away from his parental responsibilities, but rather a reflection of the overwhelming nature of learning about a rare and complex medical condition.
In an appearance on the Amazon Prime series 'Jesy Nelson: Life Changing,' Foster expressed his struggles with the diagnosis, stating, "I’m not equipped to deal with this. I’m out of my depth; emotionally, physically and mentally. At the moment I’m surviving. I just need to get help." Nelson noted his distress, observing, "I can tell he’s really struggling. For a 26-year-old to have to now be put in this situation… I feel like I can see his life flashing before his eyes."
The couple announced their split in January 2026, the same month their daughters, Story and Ocean, then 14 months old, were diagnosed with SMA. Nelson described the situation as difficult, stating, "It’s just me and mum now." She also commented on their breakup, suggesting it was "inevitable" due to the traumatic nature of the diagnosis, which she felt tore them apart.
Following backlash from his initial comments, Foster took to his Instagram Stories to clarify his position. He emphasized that being "out of my depth" meant he was in a learning process and trying to understand the condition, not that he lacked love for his daughters or intended to be absent from their lives. "Please don't mistake vulnerability for abandonment," he wrote. He reaffirmed his deep love for his daughters, calling them his "world."
Foster also shared a video of himself recording a song with lyrics centered on being "out of my depth," further illustrating his emotional experience. He acknowledged Nelson's decision to end their relationship but reiterated his commitment to his daughters. "This journey has been heartbreaking for all of us. Nobody prepares you for news like this, and we’re all navigating it in our own way," he added.
Nelson stated that while there were no "bad feelings" between her and Foster, her "main priority" is her daughters. She explained that they were dealing with the situation differently, which led to clashes and that she aimed to provide a positive environment for their children.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy is a genetic disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness by affecting motor neurons in the spinal cord. Type 1 SMA is the most severe form, often diagnosed at birth, and typically leads to death by age five if the child cannot sit up. Other types of SMA present with varying degrees of muscle weakness and symptom onset.