In 2003, fans of Boyz II Men were shocked to learn that bass vocalist Michael McCary was no longer part of the group. Back then, many likely assumed the cause of his departure was typical band drama, but the actual cause of why he left was never really revealed. It was kept a secret. However, in 2016, McCary finally shared the truth behind why he left the group that made him a famous award-winning singer.

McCary sat down for an interview on the show “Iyanla: Fix My Life” and shared that he was suffering from multiple sclerosis, per The Root. According to Medical News Today, it’s a condition that affects the central nervous system and the brain. Symptoms of the illness can include pain, paralysis, and muscle weakness. Unfortunately, at the peak of the band’s career, McCary didn’t know just exactly what he was dealing with, but he knew something was wrong. Doctors explained to McCary that the disorder also had the ability to leave him paralyzed. It left him with a tough decision, and it was already affecting his ability to make appearances with the group. But he kept his medical condition to himself.

In the televised interview, McCary also shared that leaving the group affected his relationship with his former bandmates, says Oprah. He stated that he has feelings of betrayal and said he does not speak to any of the remaining members of the group, which is now a trio.