In his new Netflix special, “Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was,” the multi-hyphenate entertainer reveals personal details about his 2023 “medical complication.” The Oscar winner explained that he had a brain bleed which led to a stroke.
While the “Ray” star gets emotional as he remembers how difficult the rehabilitation process was, he also stresses how crucial his sense of humor was. This becomes evident when he addresses the conspiracy theories that popped up on the internet as his family kept details of his battle private.
One of the craziest rumors claimed that embattled music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was responsible for Foxx’s “mystery illness.” The “Django Unchained” actor didn’t shy away from the nonsense, dropping a joke about it early in the special.
“The internet said Puffy was trying to kill me, that’s what the internet was saying. I know what you thinking, ‘Diddy?’” he joked. “Hell no, I left them parties early. I was out by 9, something don’t look right. It’s slippery in here.”
The Bad Boy founder got one more mention later in the show. As the Grammy winner explained what he felt during the 20 days he was unconscious, he joked about what he saw as fought his way back.
“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,” he said. “Shit, am I going to the wrong place in this mother——? 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——ng around.”
After all the rumors and speculation about how the “Any Given Sunday” star would discuss the conspiracies, these jokes about Diddy are a very small part of Foxx’s exceptional special. In fact, he spends more time on the theories that he’s a clone.
He concludes the special with a highlight reel of his most famous characters and songs, effortlessly performing each one while declaring, “You can’t clone this.”
The Golden Globe nominated special is a beautiful, hilarious expression of Foxx’s gratitude at receiving a second chance, and is must watch for anyone who’s enjoyed his work over the years.
“Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was” is now streaming on Netflix.