Jamie Foxx shared with a packed audience at the taping for his Netflix special that he had a “near-death experience” and spent weeks in a coma during the health crisis that led to his hospitalization in 2023.
Foxx’s upcoming Netflix standup special, Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was — set to premiere next Tuesday — is being billed as a “heartfelt return” that will “set the record straight” and express gratitude to his fans for their prayers and support during his recovery, according to Netflix’s description.
Two fans who attended the early October taping in Atlanta revealed to CNN that Foxx performed a one-man show in which he disclosed details about his diagnosis and his journey through recovery.
Netflix has remained tight-lipped about what will be included in the final edit, and CNN has reached out to Foxx’s representatives for further comment.
According to Demecos Chambers, a longtime fan of Foxx’s who was present at the taping, Foxx shared that he “passed out and remembered waking up” from what he described as a near-death experience.
Chambers recounted Foxx’s onstage remarks: “He spoke about waking up in the hospital. He thought he just passed out for a second, but it was two or three weeks. He was in a stone-cold coma.”
Chambers added that Foxx revealed to the audience that he had remained unconscious for so long that by the time he awoke, he had grown a full beard.
Chambers and his friend, who also attended the performance, noted that audience members were required to seal their phones in pouches during the show but were not asked to sign any confidentiality agreements, allowing them to share their experiences freely.
Netflix has not distributed advance screeners to members of the press in connection with the special, and Foxx is also not participating in interviews ahead of its premiere, according to the streaming platform.
Chambers highlighted that Foxx did not shy away from sharing the harrowing sequence of events that led to his hospitalization after passing out on the set in Atlanta while in production on his upcoming Netflix film Back in Action with Cameron Diaz.
Foxx reportedly told the audience that “if he didn’t get to the hospital in that moment and the nurse didn’t treat him in a certain timeframe, he said he would have died,” according to Chambers. “He was literally within an inch of his life. He was gone. It was lights out.”
A Medical Mystery
Although Foxx has not publicly revealed the specific diagnosis that led to his health scare, he provided insight into his ordeal this past summer through a TikTok video. In the video, he described having a “bad headache” before losing consciousness for “20 days.” Foxx shared that during that time, he did not “remember anything.”
At the time of his hospitalization, Foxx’s daughter Corinne Foxx announced on social media that her father had experienced a “medical complication.” According to Chambers, Foxx revealed during the standup performance that his family played a vital role in his recovery.
Foxx shared with the audience that one of his daughters was playing a guitar next to his hospital bed as he regained consciousness, and that this moment helped keep him alive during his extended coma.
Chambers recounted Foxx saying, “His daughter was playing a family guitar and that is what woke him up and kept him alive during his coma.” Chambers further noted that Foxx emphasized how much he values his daughters and how this experience has given him a deeper perspective on life and relationships.
Addressing the Media Speculation
During the show, Foxx reportedly told his story from his own perspective while also addressing public speculation about his medical condition and recovery, including false rumors about being cloned, drug overdoses, or being poisoned.
Chambers said Foxx weaved these stories into the performance, blending comedy and personal reflection to craft a gripping and multifaceted experience for the audience.
According to Chambers, Foxx’s special is a mix of standup comedy, dancing, singing, and piano playing. Despite having faced a serious health scare, Chambers observed that Foxx appeared to be in good spirits and health, adding that his recovery has left him more mindful of his movements.
“He was able to function on his own and didn’t need any assistance on stage. He’s very much active and robust, but you can tell that he’s recovering from a serious health issue — he’s more conscious of how he moves,” Chambers explained.
He added, “Jamie is an amazing storyteller. He can tell a story where you feel like you’re sitting with your uncles. It was hilarious.”
Foxx’s upcoming special promises not only to share his personal journey through recovery but also to connect deeply with his audience by combining his trademark wit, storytelling, and musical talent.
