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Jamie Foxx addresses health scare conspiracies in new Netflix special

Actor has said it was ‘excruciating’ to reveal the truth about his health

Maira Butt
Friday 06 December 2024 05:46 EST
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Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was... Netflix trailer

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Jamie Foxx has opened up about his health issues in his first stand-up special since he was hospitalised with an unspecified medical complication that left him unable to walk.

In the comedy special, released on 10 December, Foxx shed light on his mystery illness, in what has been praised as a “humourous but emotional one-man show”.

The 56-year-old singer and actor has avoided the public eye since the ordeal but is set to bare all, as the first trailer for the programme was released on Thursday (5 December).

The special, directed by Hamish Hamilton purports to “set the record straight” after a series of health conspiracies circulated about the star’s condition.

“I’m so glad to see you all here, I’m so glad to be here,” Foxx says in the trailer.

“What had happened was...” he continues as the trailer ends, teasing the full story that is set to come in the programme.

“If I can stay funny, I can stay alive,” Foxx said ahead of its release as Netflix promises it “sets the record straight with humour and vulnerability.”

A synopsis for the show reads, “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.”

Foxx will reveal all in his new Netflix special
Foxx will reveal all in his new Netflix special (PARRISH LEWIS/NETFLIX)

It continues, “This comedy event is a celebration of resilience, humour and the power of community, reminding us all of the healing power of laughter.”

The singer has said it was “excruciating” to joke about his condition.

Speaking to CBS Mornings host Gayle King backstage after his final show in Atlanta, the Collateral actor admitted it was “an excruciating time to be able to open those wounds every single day for three nights”.

He continued: “It was excruciating because the worry is what gets you. We’ve got a great show in the room, but we don’t know what they may laugh at or what they may not laugh at. Any comedian will tell you that’s the thing, the worry is the thing.”

“Usually, when you do a stand-up special, you go out for a year and a half and work every nook and cranny, then you tape it. You don’t just show up in Atlanta and turn the camera on.”

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