Jamie Foxx Addresses Rumors Surrounding His Health Crisis
Jamie Foxx attends the World Premiere of Netflix's "Day Shift" at Regal LA Live on August 10, 2022.
Jamie Foxx is offering a rare, firsthand insight into the mysterious health crisis that left the world concerned he wouldn't recover earlier this year.
The Django Unchained actor made his first formal public appearance since his hospitalization in April at the Critics Choice Association's Celebration of Cinema & Television on Monday, Dec. 4, where he was honored with the Vanguard Award for his performance in Prime Video’s The Burial.
He spoke to the captivated audience for nearly 12 minutes, sharing just after he approached the mic that a mere six months ago, he wouldn't have physically been able to walk onto the stage.
In a video of the unannounced speech, Foxx is clearly emotional, taking a moment to gather himself and blowing out a puff of air as the supportive crowd encouraged him to take his time.
He brought a touch of levity to the moment as soon as he was ready, addressing some of the more out-there rumors he'd caught wind of over the months. "I'm not a clone," he assured with a smile. "I know a lot of people are saying I was cloned out there."
Still, life is "different" now, he said. "It feels good to be here. I cherish every single minute now.”
Though remaining mum about the exact nature of his illness, later commending his sister and daughter for keeping his personal health information concealed so well, Foxx added, “I wouldn't wish what I went through on my worst enemy..."
In another emotionally charged moment, he opened up about arriving at a rehabilitation facility in Chicago, where, upon identifying him, the woman checking him in at the front desk told him she'd been praying for his recovery—an "indication" for the actor that, when all was said and done, he'd "be all right."
Eventually, after he thanked the team behind The Burial, Foxx emphasized, “I want to say six months ago I couldn't fathom that this could happen or that I would be here, but as I walk up here to this microphone and get this Vanguard Award, all I can say is 'Lord, have mercy, Jesus.' ”
