Jamie Foxx Opens Up about Near-Death Experience in New Netflix Special

Key Takeaways:
– Jamie Foxx provides insight into his recovery from a stroke during his new Netflix special “What Had Happened Was…”.
– He uses humor to diffuse the serious matter, making light of his near-death experience and hospital stay.
– Foxx debunks internet rumors about Diddy’s involvement in his medical emergency.
– The acclaimed actor expresses gratitude to Atlanta, where he received his life-saving treatment.
– Foxx’s experience brings focus to the rise in stroke hospitalization rates in younger adults.

A Closer Look at Jamie Foxx’s Brush with Death

Acclaimed actor and comedian Jamie Foxx embarked on an emotional journey in his latest Netflix special, “What Had Happened Was…”, sharing details about his near-death experience following a brain hemorrhage and subsequent stroke in April 2023.

As he grappled with this life-changing event, Foxx recounted seeing the “tunnel” so commonly associated with near-death experiences. This tunnel was not the tranquil passage towards a peaceful afterlife; instead, he humorously pointed out it was quite hot — hot enough to suspect he might be headed towards hell.

When a Joke Takes a Twist

Foxx did not leave it at that. Using his trademark wit, he revealed who he believed he saw at the end of this infernal tunnel — none other than federally indicted music mogul, Sean “Diddy” Combs. Foxx quipped, “I saw the devil saying come on… or was that Puffy?”

The joke hit home due to the reputation Combs carries. Federal raids at Combs’ residences in Los Angeles and Miami earlier in 2023 had yielded a large haul of Johnson and Johnson baby oil, alleged to be part of the infamous “freak off” parties hosted by Combs.

Debunking the Rumors, Comedic Style

Foxx, never one to shy away from controversy, addressed rumors of Combs having ulterior motives in his brain injury. The internet was rife with speculation that Combs had slipped something into Foxx’s drink at one of his parties, leading to the stroke.

Foxx debunked these rumors with a laugh, “The internet was saying that Puffy was trying to kill me. I know what you’re thinking.… Did he?!” His response: “Hell, no,” he added, “I left them parties early… It looks slippery in there!”

Foxx’s Road to Recovery

The Oscar-winning actor also opened up about the events that led to his 20-day coma. This included a severe headache that left him unconscious, followed by an alarming diagnosis of a brain bleed leading to stroke. The road to recovery was tough, requiring extensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation to regain his motor skills.

Foxx credited his sister, Deidra Dixon, for recognizing the severity of his health condition and rushing him to Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta. The city, Foxx notes, played a pivotal role in his recovery, prompting him to declare frequently during his stand-up, “Atlanta saved my life.”

A Spotlight on ‘Younger’ Stroke Victims

Foxx’s ordeal shed light on the increasing incidence of strokes among the ‘younger’ population — men and women 54 and younger, as seen in a study published in JAMA Neurology in June 2017. The study indicated that hospitalization rates for acute ischemic stroke increased significantly among this group between 2003 and 2012. Though Foxx did not specify his stroke type, the reference to a “brain bleed” suggests a hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds.

Despite his public struggle and the tearful confessions, Foxx proves he is still the consummate entertainer. He danced during his set, proving he is “still sexy,” a reminder of his resilience and will to continue entertaining audiences worldwide.

With a great deal of humor and a touch of seriousness, Foxx’s revelation during his Netflix special does more than merely entertain — it throws light on a significant health concern and raises awareness about strokes among comparatively younger individuals.

In the end, Foxx’s narrative is not just about his remarkable journey to recovery but also a testament to the human spirit’s resilience – offering hope and fostering awareness in his unique style.