5 Big Revelations from Jamie Foxx’s Netflix Special, Which Will Answer All Your Questions

Jamie Foxx is a name that needs no introduction. From his unforgettable comedy sketches in In Living Color to his Oscar-winning role in Ray, he’s always been at the top of his game. But in 2023, his life took a shocking and serious turn.

In his new Netflix special, Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was…, the actor and comedian opens up like never before. The special isn’t just about making people laugh—though, of course, it’s hilarious.

It’s also deeply emotional, as Foxx shares the details of a medical crisis that nearly cost him his life. He talks about his mystery illness, the incredible people who helped him recover, and why he stayed away from the public eye for so long.

The show also dives into wild internet rumors, like conspiracy theories about his health and even claims about Sean “Diddy” Combs. Foxx keeps it real but never loses his humor, turning even the darkest moments into stories full of hope and laughter. Here are the five most revealing moments from his special.

1. What was Jamie Foxx’s Mystery Illness?

In April 2023, Jamie Foxx experienced something that changed his life forever. What started as a headache quickly became something far more dangerous. Foxx revealed in his special that he suffered a brain bleed, which led to a stroke.

He was rushed to Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, where doctors operated on him, but they couldn’t figure out where the bleeding came from. The situation was so severe that Foxx doesn’t even remember 20 days of his life while he was in a coma.

Doctors told him he might never walk again. But Foxx, always the fighter, defied all odds. Standing on stage, dancing and singing, he told his audience (via The Wrap), “If I dance all night, don’t mind me. I’m happy to be alive.”

The actor also didn’t shy away from addressing the internet rumors that had taken over while he was recovering. Some people claimed he had been replaced by a clone. Foxx laughed it off, saying, “Y’all really thought I was a clone?” He also credited his faith, saying, “God gave me a second chance.”

2. The People Who Helped Jamie Foxx Heal

One of the most emotional parts of Foxx’s special was when he talked about his daughter Anelise Bishop, who played a key role in his recovery. While he was in the hospital, his condition was so critical that doctors thought they might lose him. That’s when Anelise stepped in with her guitar.

Foxx recalled how she snuck into his hospital room and began playing music for him. Amazingly, her music helped stabilize his vitals. During the special, he even brought Anelise on stage to play her guitar, calling her his miracle.

Waking up after 20 days in a coma wasn’t easy. Foxx found himself in a wheelchair, struggling to come to terms with what had happened. At first, he refused to accept it, saying (via US Weekly), “I said, ‘That’s old man s–t. I don’t get strokes. Stop this f—ing prank.’”

Rehab was another challenge. He admitted to being so frustrated that he tried to fire every therapist who came to help him. But one therapist, Holly, didn’t give up on him. Her tough love helped him get back on his feet, both literally and figuratively.

3. Here’s Why Jamie Foxx Vanished From the Spotlight

After his stroke, Jamie Foxx disappeared from the public eye, leaving fans worried and speculating. In his special, he explained why. The truth is, he wasn’t in any condition to be seen. The Hollywood star revealed that his stroke left him so dizzy that he couldn’t even stand straight.

His sister and older daughter, Corrine, made the decision to keep him completely out of the public eye. They didn’t want anyone to see him in such a vulnerable state, and the 56-year-old was grateful for their support. “They held me down,” he said, praising his family for protecting his privacy. Foxx explained everything, saying (via the same source):

They didn’t want you to see me like that and I didn’t want you to see me like that. There’s another reason, too, why my daughter didn’t want nobody to see me. I was dizzy from the stroke. I was so dizzy, so my head would [shake]. She said, ‘They gon’ meme the f–k out of this motherf—er.’

Foxx admitted it was hard being away from the world, but he knew it was for the best. His family’s decision gave him the space to heal without the pressure of being in the spotlight.

4. Atlanta Played a Role in Jamie Foxx’s Survival

Atlanta isn’t just a city—it’s where Jamie Foxx’s life was saved. The actor made a point to thank the doctors and staff at Piedmont Hospital, which was just 400 yards away from the theater where he later filmed his Netflix special.

“God be the glory,” Foxx said (per US Weekly), expressing his deep gratitude for the medical team that cared for him. He also thanked his family, who stood by him every step of the way.

Performing so close to the hospital was a full-circle moment for Foxx. It was his way of honoring the place and the people who helped him recover. He didn’t hold back his emotions, making sure the audience knew just how much it all meant to him.

5. The Wild Rumors About Diddy’s “Freak Off” Parties

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Jamie Foxx special without some wild humor. He addressed one of the most bizarre internet rumors about his health—that Sean “Diddy” Combs had something to do with it.

Foxx made it clear that the rumor wasn’t true but couldn’t resist cracking jokes about it. He brought up Diddy’s infamous “freak off” parties, joking (via the same source):

I left them parties early. I was out by 9, n—a. ‘Something don’t look right, n—a. It’s slippery in here, n—a.’

He also made a hilarious comment about seeing Diddy at the end of a tunnel during his coma. “I thought I saw the devil. Or was that Puffy?” he joked. Foxx’s ability to turn even the craziest rumors into comedy is a testament to his talent and resilience.

Watch Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was… on Netflix!