Unsubstantiated Claims that Jamie Foxx is Paralyzed Covid Vaccine is Going Viral on Social Media

Misinformation Surrounding Jamie Foxx’s COVID-19 Vaccine Hospitalization Spreads Online

Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx has become the target of a viral claim suggesting that he was hospitalized and seriously injured due to a COVID-19 vaccine. Despite a representative for Foxx denying the claim, it has been widely propagated within anti-vaccination circles on social media platforms like YouTube and Twitter.

The unfounded allegation emerged during an episode of the online talk show “Ask Dr. Drew,” where gossip columnist A.J. Benza made the claim. Benza, formerly associated with the New York Daily News, stated on May 30 that Foxx had experienced partial paralysis and blindness as a result of the vaccine. Benza alleged that Foxx was compelled to receive the vaccine while working on a film, attributing the injuries to a blood clot and subsequent stroke. Dr. Drew Pinsky did not challenge Benza’s assertions, and the source of his information remains undisclosed.

Foxx’s representatives promptly refuted Benza’s claim, stating that it was entirely inaccurate. While Foxx had been hospitalized for an undisclosed illness in April, his daughter Corinne Foxx confirmed on Instagram that he had been home for several weeks and was in good health, even engaging in physical activities. Despite this clarification, Benza’s unsubstantiated assertion continued to proliferate on social media. Influential figures such as Candace Owens, a far-right commentator, amplified the claim on her YouTube podcast, insinuating its veracity due to the absence of explicit condemnation from Foxx’s family. Owens’ video discussing Foxx’s condition garnered over 180,000 views.

Various tweets with substantial engagement circulated the claim about Foxx’s vaccine-related injuries alongside other anti-vaccination sentiments. This dissemination of misinformation prompted concerns about the safety of vaccines, despite numerous studies and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) affirming their effectiveness and safety.

Prominent individuals like Charlie Kirk, founder of Talking Points USA, expressed their dismay at Foxx’s purported vaccine-induced injuries, while actor Kevin Sorbo shared an article supporting the unverified claim with his 1.6 million followers, stating that he was praying for Foxx’s recovery.

Although Facebook and TikTok appear to have implemented stricter moderation of content mentioning Foxx and COVID-19 vaccines, YouTube continues to host videos amplifying Benza’s claim. Notably, search results on YouTube now prominently display independent fact-checks from Snopes and Newsweek, offering a counterbalance to the misinformation.

Benza’s appearance on “Ask Dr. Drew” raised questions about whether celebrities can openly question medical advice related to COVID-19, including the benefits of vaccination. Benza, known for sharing memes mocking masks and Democrats on his verified Facebook page, shared his personal experience of hospitalization due to COVID-19 and his subsequent regret over receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine on Pinsky’s show.

While Foxx and his representatives have not disclosed the specific reason for his initial hospitalization, this lack of information has contributed to the proliferation of conspiracy theories. On a podcast hosted by former boxer Mike Tyson, Foxx’s health was discussed, inspiring Pinsky to invite Benza onto his show due to the latter’s purported sources providing additional details about Foxx’s condition.

Pinsky clarified that he invited Benza, a reporter on celebrity news for over three decades, to share information based on his confidential sources. Pinsky emphasized that he hopes Benza’s sources are incorrect and that Foxx makes a full recovery, while reiterating his support for safe vaccines and his continued vaccination of elderly patients. He also acknowledged that adverse reactions to vaccines are rare, but acknowledged the need for further investigation into potential adverse effects to determine the risk-benefit profile for specific populations.

The CDC states that adverse responses to COVID-19 vaccines are rare. The CDC identifies four serious types of adverse effects, which are uncommon but have been associated with certain COVID-19 vaccinations. These include anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction), thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (blood clotting issues), myocarditis and pericarditis (inflammation around the heart), and Guillain-Barré Syndrome (nerve cell damage).

According to the CDC, more than 676 million COVID-19 vaccinations have been administered, underscoring their overall safety and efficacy. Despite this, the viral claim surrounding Jamie Foxx’s alleged vaccine injuries continues to circulate online, highlighting the power of misinformation in an era of instant social media sharing.

While platforms like TikTok and Facebook have taken steps to combat the spread of false information by removing videos and minimizing search results related to Foxx and the COVID-19 vaccine, YouTube still hosts content that perpetuates the unfounded claims. It remains essential for individuals to critically evaluate the sources of information they encounter and rely on reputable sources such as the CDC and World Health Organization to make informed decisions about vaccines.

Misinformation campaigns targeting vaccines not only undermine public trust in crucial public health measures but also pose significant risks to individual and community well-being. It is vital for responsible individuals, including media personalities and public figures, to exercise caution when discussing medical topics and to prioritize evidence-based information in their messaging.

As the fight against COVID-19 continues, it is imperative to rely on accurate and reliable sources to ensure the dissemination of correct information about vaccines, their safety, and their benefits. Public health organizations, medical professionals, and trusted news outlets play a crucial role in countering misinformation and promoting the health and well-being of individuals and communities.