Jamie Foxx is setting the record straight about the health scare that nearly took his life, addressing rumors and online conspiracies in his new Netflix comedy special, Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was…. The 56-year-old actor and Oscar winner, who had a near-fatal medical emergency in April 2023, humorously responded to outlandish claims surrounding his condition, including one alleging that music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was involved.
In the special, which was filmed in Atlanta in October, Foxx revealed that he suffered a “brain bleed that led to a stroke” and had no memory of the 20 days following the incident. The special, which blends humor with heartfelt moments of gratitude, also features Foxx addressing some of the bizarre theories that surfaced online during his recovery.
“The internet said Puffy was trying to kill me, that’s what the internet was saying. I know what you’re thinking, ‘Diddy?’” Foxx joked with the audience. “Hell no, I left them parties early. I was out by 9, something don’t look right. It’s slippery in here.”
Foxx went on to further poke fun at the conspiracy theories, referencing the tunnel he allegedly saw during his medical emergency. “Your life doesn’t flash before your face. It was kind of oddly peaceful. I saw the tunnel. I didn’t see the light. I was in that tunnel, though. It was hot in that tunnel. S—, am I going to the wrong place in this mother——?” he said, adding, “Because I looked at the end of the tunnel, and I thought I saw the devil like, ‘Come on.’ Or is that Puffy? I’m f—-ing around.”
The comedian’s remarks reference an unfounded claim that Combs, 55, was somehow involved in Foxx’s health crisis. The rumor gained some traction online, with some speculating that Combs, known for his extravagant celebrity-filled parties, was attempting to harm Foxx. The claim even made its way onto popular podcasts, including one episode of Joe Rogan’s show in November 2023, where Rogan discussed the theory in a bizarre exchange.
However, the health emergency was far more serious than any conspiracy suggested. Foxx described how he had no memory of the events leading up to his hospitalization, and he thanked fans for their prayers and support during his recovery. In his Netflix special, Foxx not only cracks jokes but also expresses profound gratitude to those who stood by him, making it a heartfelt tribute to his resilience.
Foxx’s health scare sparked a range of bizarre theories online, including one that suggested he had been replaced by a clone or artificial intelligence. This theory gained some momentum after Foxx shared a video in July 2023 thanking his fans for their support. Actor Ice-T publicly criticized those promoting the conspiracy, calling out the “weirdos” who, according to him, preferred to believe Foxx had been replaced rather than accept that he had been seriously ill.
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“People would rather believe that Jamie is now a Clone or AI, than the man was just seriously sick and damn near died… Cause he doesn’t look EXACTLY the same??? YOU look different after a bad cold!” Ice-T wrote on X (formerly Twitter) in response to the bizarre speculation.
Further adding to the speculation were unfounded claims suggesting that Foxx’s stroke might have been caused by a COVID-19 vaccine. His representative quickly denied those rumors in June 2023, clarifying that the medical emergency was unrelated to any vaccine.
Despite the wild online rumors, Foxx’s latest special sheds light on the gravity of his health scare and the power of laughter during tough times. The comedian and actor took to the stage to share both the humor and vulnerability that helped him get through his recovery.
Netflix described the special as a “celebration of resilience, humor, and the power of community,” with Foxx expressing his deep gratitude to those who prayed and supported him during his recovery. “Amidst laughter and applause, Jamie expresses deep gratitude to those who prayed and supported his recovery, turning this performance into a touching thank you to his fans,” Netflix said in a statement.
In addition to addressing the conspiracies, Foxx also used the special to acknowledge the healing power of humor, telling the audience that laughter played a significant role in his recovery. “This comedy event is a celebration of resilience, humor, and the power of community, reminding us all of the healing power of laughter,” the streaming platform added.
Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was… is now available for streaming on Netflix. The special is a reminder that, even in the face of serious health issues, Foxx’s comedic touch and ability to laugh at himself have remained strong. His lighthearted take on his life-threatening medical emergency, combined with a sincere message of thanks, offers fans both a laugh and a heartfelt connection.
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