Jamie Foxx fought back the tears as he took to the stage at the Critics Choice Association Awards Celebration of Cinema & Television Honoring Black, Latino & AAPI Achievements on Monday.
The Oscar winning actor was seen overcome with emotion as he accepted the award from presenter Jurnee Smollett in what was his first public appearance since he was struck down by a “medical complication” in April. The actor received a standing ovation from the audience as he made his way onto the stage where he opened up about his health battle.
Giving a 12 minute speech Jamie admitted that he was left unable to walk after falling ill as he battled the tears. He said: “You know, it’s crazy, I couldn’t do that six months ago - I couldn’t actually walk. I’m not a clone, I’m not a clone. I know a lot of people who were saying I was cloned out there. I want to thank everybody. I’ve been through something, I’ve been through some things."
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Jamie admitted his outlook on life has changed now after his ordeal as he continued: “I cherish every single minute now - it’s different. I wouldn’t wish what I went through on my worst enemy because it’s tough when it’s almost over... when you see the tunnel. I saw the tunnel - I didn’t see the light.
Ivana Knoll enjoys dinner with Jamie Foxx after modelling four sexy outfits“I have a new respect for life. I have a new respect for my art. I watched so many movies and listened to so many songs trying to have the time go by. Don’t give up on your art, man, don’t give up."
Jamie hasn't talked about his ordeal since July when he said he had been to “hell and back” and thanked his sister Deidra Dixon, and daughter Corinne Foxx, 29, for saving his life.
Talking on social media at the time he said: “I went through something I thought I would never, ever go through. I know a lot of people were waiting or wanting to hear an update, but to be honest with you, I didn’t want you to see me like that, man.
“I want you to see me laughing, having a good time, partying, cracking a joke, doing a movie or a 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.”
The actual cause of Jamie's illness has not been revealed but his daughter Corinne confirmed back in April that he had fallen ill while working on his upcoming movie Back in Action.In May Jamie briefly spoke on his Instagram page to thank his fans for "all the love" admitting he felt "blessed" to still be here.