Taylor Momsen’s recent tour with AC/DC took a startling turn when a venomous spider sunk its fangs into her leg. The bite, described as a “massive chunk” taken out of her skin, unleashed a potent venom that demanded immediate medical attention before she could take the stage in Mexico.
Momsen documented the ordeal on Instagram, sharing a graphic image of her leg swollen and inflamed from ankle to knee. She wryly questioned if this was simply par for the course on an AC/DC tour, adding to a growing list of unexpected incidents. The initial shot administered by doctors offered only temporary relief, leading to a more serious situation.
The singer found herself in the emergency room as the reaction worsened, yet remained determined to perform. “Hospital today, show tomorrow,” she posted, demonstrating a remarkable resilience despite the painful circumstances. She bravely faced a night under medical supervision, sharing updates with fans about the ongoing treatment.
This isn’t the first time Momsen has faced an animal encounter on tour. Almost two years prior, a bat became entangled in her hair during a performance with The Pretty Reckless. While initially joking about being a “witch,” the incident ultimately required a series of rabies shots after it was discovered the bat had bitten her thigh.
During that 2024 incident in Spain, Momsen remained remarkably calm onstage, even as fans frantically alerted her to the bat’s presence. She stood still while stagehands worked to remove the animal, downplaying the event to the audience. However, the realization that she’d been bitten soon followed, initiating a two-week course of rabies vaccinations.
Momsen’s journey to rock stardom began far from the stage, with a childhood spent in front of the camera. At just six years old, she captivated audiences as Cindy Lou Who in the beloved film *How the Grinch Stole Christmas*. She continued acting, appearing in films like *Spy Kids 2* and *Underdog*.
Her career took a dramatic turn in 2007 when she landed the role of Jenny Humphrey, or “Little J,” in the hit series *Gossip Girl*. The role marked a complete transformation, shedding her squeaky-clean image for a more edgy, emo-inspired style. This transition ultimately paved the way for her musical ambitions.
Despite her success as an actress, Momsen confessed to feeling ostracized during her childhood due to her role in *The Grinch*. She was often simply known as “Grinch Girl,” a label that followed her through new schools and experiences. She recently revisited that part of her past, releasing a new version of her song “Where Are You Christmas” from the film.
Recently, Momsen had a heartwarming reunion with Jim Carrey, her co-star from *How the Grinch Stole Christmas*, at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. She spoke fondly of Carrey’s kindness and protective nature during filming, emphasizing the lasting impact he had on her as a young artist.
Today, Taylor Momsen dedicates herself fully to music as the lead singer of The Pretty Reckless, touring the world with her bandmates. From child star to rock icon, her path has been anything but ordinary, marked by talent, resilience, and a surprising number of encounters with wildlife.
