Jamie Foxx Addresses Health Crisis in New Netflix Comedy Special “`
Jamie Foxx’s new Netflix special, What Had Happened Was…, opens with him tearfully exclaiming, “I’m back!”
This declaration, from a comedian whose last special was in 2002, carries significant weight. Following his April 2023 hospitalization for a “medical complication” during filming, Foxx became the subject of intense online speculation, ranging from near-fatal illness to death and even accusations of foul play. The special reveals the truth: he suffered a stroke.
Any concerns that the special’s title might be misleading are immediately dispelled. It begins with a montage of news reports and conspiracy theories surrounding his hospitalization, before Foxx takes the stage, triumphantly declaring, “I’m happy to be alive.”
“You have no idea how good it feels, Atlanta!” he says. “I was fighting for my life but I’m here in front of you.” The special, a blend of explanation, stand-up, and personal reflection, is a tribute to Atlanta, the city he credits with saving his life.
The mystery surrounding Foxx’s illness fueled intense online speculation throughout 2023, with blogs, conspiracy theorists, and social media influencers contributing to the frenzy. This occurred despite his daughter Corinne’s statements about his recovery. Some believed his condition was far worse than reported, with rumors of a coma or debilitating effects. Others claimed he had died and the news was being kept secret. Anti-vaccine activists connected his illness to the COVID-19 vaccine. A particularly outlandish rumor suggested he had been poisoned by Sean “Diddy” Combs.
“The internet said Puffy tried to kill me. Hell no, I left those parties early. Something don’t look right, it’s slippery in here,” he jokes, one of many jabs at Diddy in the special.
Foxx is candid about the past year. He and his family had previously shared only limited information. In July 2023, Foxx addressed his followers on Instagram, explaining, “I know a lot of people were waiting or wanting to hear updates, but to be honest with you, I just didn’t want you to see me like that.” He continued, “I didn’t want you to see me with tubes running out of me and trying to figure out if I was going to make it through.”
He desired to be seen dancing and laughing on stage, which he does in What Had Happened Was…. His energetic performances highlight the severity of his medical challenges.
Regarding the stroke, he says, “It is a mystery, we still don’t know exactly what happened to me,” explaining a severe headache preceded his collapse. “I don’t remember 20 days,” he reveals, reconstructing the timeline. He shares his doctor’s prognosis: “He may be able to make a full recovery, but it’s going to be the worst year of his life,” referring to the brain bleed. “That’s what it was, Atlanta. You finally got the full story.”
The truth, as with many online conspiracies, is less sensational than the theories, but no less impactful. Foxx poignantly describes the emotional struggle of relearning basic tasks. A significant part of the special focuses on his renewed faith, sharing his spiritual journey with the fervor of a preacher. He leads worship songs and recounts his spiritual battles, expressing gratitude for the support of his family and medical team.
In a moving moment, Foxx brings his youngest daughter Annelise onstage. She played guitar for him in the hospital, and he credits her with helping him pull through. She performs a song while Foxx weeps and embraces her.
What Had Happened Was… is less a comedy special and more a celebration of life. His comedic timing is sharp, showcasing his talent despite the two-decade hiatus, in moments such as recounting interactions with Halle Berry during physiotherapy or impersonating Denzel Washington and Katt Williams. The humor arises from his processing of pain with grace and respect. “I never let go of my sense of humor,” he says, emphasizing how humor aided his recovery. His mantra: “If I can stay funny, I can stay alive.”
In the special’s closing moments, Foxx addresses the most outlandish conspiracy—that he’s a clone—turning it into a self-affirmation. “There ain’t enough clone juice in the world to clone me,” he declares. “I’m uncloneable,” he asserts, showcasing iconic roles from In Living Color to Django Unchained to Ray. This culminates in a powerful performance of Kanye West’s “Gold Digger,” reimagined as a worship song.
Foxx’s final words before exiting are “thank you.” He thanks his family, doctors, caregivers, hospital staff, audience, and God. He even thanks those who spread false rumors, albeit with a playful “f-ck you” first. He takes a moment of silent gratitude, processing the opportunity to finally share his story through song, dance, and heartfelt reflection.