Jamie Foxx Chokes Up During BET Awards Speech After Watching Memoriam Segment: “That Could’ve Been Me” [Video]

When Jamie Foxx stepped up to accept the Ultimate Icon Award at the 2025 BET Awards, the moment quickly evolved from celebration to something far more profound. What the audience expected was a standard thank-you speech. What they received was a raw, emotional testimony from a man who came dangerously close to not making it at all.

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Foxx got straight to the point. Standing in the spotlight, visibly emotional, he opened up about his 2023 health crisis, a brain bleed that led to a stroke. It was a terrifying ordeal that had been mostly kept private, leaving fans and loved ones fearing the worst.

“When I saw that Memoriam, I was like, ‘Man, that could’ve been me,’” Foxx said, his voice cracking.

The audience rallied behind him with cheers as he paused to collect himself.

Foxx continued, reflecting on the gift of survival and his renewed perspective.

“I know my second chance, I’m not gon’ turn down,” he said. Speaking on his conversations with God during his recovery, he added, “Whatever reason you put this on me, I promise, I’ma do right.”

He closed by thanking those closest to him, including his children and sister, who stood by him throughout the darkest moments.