Jamie Foxx Battles Unfounded Vaccine Claims: Disinformation Surge Divides Fans
Claims suggesting that Oscar-winning actor Jamie Foxx fell prey to severe side-effects of the Covid-19 vaccine, leading to a hospitalization, have set the social media landscape on fire. Despite Foxx's representative vehemently refuting these assertions, the rumor continues to stir unrest within the anti-vaccine factions across YouTube and Twitter, as reported by NBC News.
This unfounded allegation is the latest link in a chain of disinformation, chiefly propagated by fringe-right personalities, intending to undermine the proven efficacy and safety of Covid-19 vaccines. This disinformation contradicts substantial scientific evidence and the affirmations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding vaccine safety.
The initial claim about Foxx's health was presented by A.J. Benza, an internet gossip commentator, on the online talk show "Ask Dr. Drew" on May 30. Benza declared, without providing a reliable source, that Foxx became "partially paralyzed and blind" following his vaccination, which he purportedly took while on a film set. Benza failed to provide a response to a request for comment regarding the source of his claims.
Foxx's representatives have condemned Benza's claims as "absolutely untrue." Foxx was indeed hospitalized in April due to an undisclosed health condition; however, his daughter Corinne clarified via an Instagram story that he was in good health at home, even engaging in games of pickleball.
Despite these clarifications, the unfounded assertion has ricocheted across social media, pushed along by right-wing commentator Candace Owens among others. Owens, commanding a considerable following of 1.67 million on YouTube, suggested that the Foxx family's alleged lack of denial added credibility to Benza's claims. Her video discussing Foxx's rumored health issue garnered over 180,000 views.
Owens noted in her video, "Their silence implies some authenticity to this allegation. We're all eagerly waiting for Jamie Foxx to come forward." Owens remained unavailable for further comment.
Furthering the controversy, multiple tweets, each amassing hundreds to thousands of likes, spread the baseless claim about Foxx's health along with other anti-vaccination sentiments. Influential conservative figure Charlie Kirk tweeted sympathies for Foxx, blaming 'Big Pharma.' Actor Kevin Sorbo shared an article repeating the same unverified claim to his 1.6 million followers, expressing his prayers for Foxx.
Andrew Kolvet, a spokesperson for Kirk, told NBC News that Kirk simply shared the article to encourage readers to conduct their own investigations.
Despite the wave of disinformation, Foxx has remained positive. The actor-singer took to Instagram in May, expressing gratitude for the support he's received since his undisclosed medical emergency in April. He expressed in his post, "Appreciate all the love!! Feeling blessed." Until further clarification comes directly from Foxx, it's wise to presume he's managing his health efficiently.