Jonathan Bennett Opens Up About Husband Jaymes Vaughan's Rare Health Condition and Recovery

Jonathan Bennett, widely recognized for his roles in LGBTQ-inclusive Hallmark films and as Aaron Samuels in the cult classic "Mean Girls", recently brought attention to a rarely discussed medical issue impacting his husband, Jaymes Vaughan. On August 10, Bennett shared an emotional video on Instagram, capturing Vaughan’s first meal following surgery to treat a condition that had profoundly affected his quality of life for years .

Vaughan, known for his work on "The Real Friends of WeHo" and as a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility, has lived with a Schatzki ring—a narrowing of the lower esophagus caused by a ring of tissue, which makes swallowing solid foods difficult and often leads to frequent vomiting. Bennett explained, “My husband has a condition that made it impossible for him to eat without throwing up for almost his entire adult life. Yesterday, he got the procedure to open up his throat, and this is his first meal after fixing what’s called a Schatzki ring” .

The video, which quickly garnered thousands of supportive comments, shows Vaughan visibly moved as he eats an omelette, tearing up and exclaiming, “I’m emotional… I’m eating!” He turns to Bennett and asks, “Oh my God, babe. Is this what it’s like when you eat and it goes down?” . The relief and joy on Vaughan’s face resonated with viewers, many of whom shared their own experiences with similar conditions or expressed gratitude for the couple’s openness.

Bennett’s post not only highlighted the physical challenges Vaughan faced but also shed light on the emotional burden that comes with chronic, invisible illnesses. The outpouring of support included comments from medical professionals and individuals with comparable experiences, emphasizing the importance of visibility and shared stories within the LGBTQ+ community .

Schatzki ring is a relatively rare disorder involving the formation of a thin, fibrous ring at the lower end of the esophagus. This can cause intermittent difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, and, when severe, substantial discomfort or malnutrition. Treatments often involve endoscopic procedures to dilate the esophagus and break the ring, which can bring immediate and dramatic relief .

For Vaughan, this surgery marked the end of years of discomfort. His openness about the experience has sparked conversations around lesser-known health conditions and the barriers LGBTQ+ people sometimes face in accessing timely, sensitive healthcare .

By sharing their story, Bennett and Vaughan have contributed to greater awareness and understanding not only of Schatzki ring, but also of the complexities surrounding health and wellness in LGBTQ+ lives. Chronic and rare illnesses can be isolating, especially when they are not immediately visible or widely understood. The couple’s candidness has encouraged others to seek help for similar symptoms and to talk openly about their own health struggles .