The actor is on the mend after serious health issues
Jamie Foxx has spoken publicly for the first time since being hospitalised with what his family called 'a medical complication' earlier this year.
The actor's condition was shrouded in secrecy, leading some fans to speculate that he had suffered a stroke or a similar debilitating issue - although this was never confirmed.
Now, the 'Ray' actor has finally addressed fans in a video that thanks them for their support, although he does not clarify what his medical issue actually was.
“First of all, I want to say thank you to everybody that’s prayed and sent me messages," he said in an Instagram video. "I cannot even begin to tell you how far it took me and how it brought me back. I went through something that I thought I would never, ever go through.
“I know a lot of people were waiting and wanting to hear updates but, to be honest with you, I just didn’t want you to see me like that. I want you to see me laughing, having a good time, partying and cracking a joke, doing a movie [or] television show. I didn’t want you to see me with tubes running out of me and trying to figure out if I was going to make it through."
He credited his daughter Corinne for 'saving [his] life', and also thanked his sister. "I cannot tell you how great it feels to have your family kick in in such a way, and y’all know they kept it airtight, they didn’t let nothing out," he said. "They protected me, and that’s what I hope that everyone could have in moments like these."
He did, however, rubbish reports that he had been paralysed or left without sight. "I went to hell and back, and my road to recovery had some potholes as well," he said. "But I’m coming back and I’m able to work, so I want to thank the people who let me work, and I just want to say that I love everybody and I love all the love that I got."
Some of his fellow actors left messages of support, including Dwayne Johnson, who said: "I’m gonna bear hug the fuck outta you when I see you again." Will Smith said "Awww Man!! Who’s cuttin’ onions?? Love U Foxx!! Your Light Is Needed ‘n Appreciated Right Now!"
Justin Timberlake, Viola Davis, Michael B. Jordan and a plethora of other famous names also commented with messages of love.