Jamie Foxx’s rep shut down a conspiracy theory that the COVID-19 vaccine caused the actor’s mysterious medical emergency.
Gossip columnist A.J. Benza made the unsubstantiated claim while appearing on coronavirus sceptic Dr Drew Pinsky’s “Ask Dr Drew” podcast last Saturday, saying he heard Foxx had developed a blood clot after receiving the jab and subsequently suffered a stroke.
However, a publicist for the “Ray” star told NBC News Wednesday that Benza’s allegations were “completely inaccurate.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said the vaccines are “safe and effective.”
The Oscar winner, 55, was rushed to a hospital in mid-April for what his daughter Corinne Foxx described only as a “medical complication.”
“Luckily, due to quick action and great care, he is already on his way to recovery,” she wrote on Instagram at the time.
“We know how beloved he is and appreciate your prayers. The family asks for privacy during this time.”
One month later, Corinne, 29, confirmed her dad had been “out of the hospital for weeks” after a false report that their family was “preparing for the worst.”
“Sad to see how the media runs wild,” she wrote on her Instagram Story in May.
“My Dad has been out of the hospital for weeks, recuperating. In fact, he was playing pickleball yesterday.”
TMZ later reported that Jamie had entered a physical rehabilitation centre in Chicago.
Jamie has only addressed his health scare once to thank his fans for their support.
“Appreciate all the love!!! Feeling blessed,” he wrote on Instagram in early May, adding emojis of praying hands, a red heart and a fox.
“Appreciate ya my boy @NickCannon,” he wrote, adding, “See u all soon.”
Cannon, 42, recently said his pal would share more information about his illness “when he’s ready.”
“One thing I’ve always respected about how Jamie’s moved throughout his entire career if you’ve noticed, he’s always been somebody who is extremely professional and extremely private,” he told “Extra” last week.
“I mean, you don’t ever really hear anything other than just the great work that he puts forth as a professional, and the fact that you know, he’s handled this situation with the same manner, you only can respect that.”
The “Masked Singer” host added, “I believe when he’s ready, he’s going to address the awaiting fans in the world the way that only he can.”