Martin Lawrence is assuring fans that he is healthy amid concern sparked by his recent “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” press tour. The actor appeared on a recent episode of Hot 97’s “Ebro in the Morning” (via Entertainment Weekly), where the host asked him about rumors claiming he’s not healthy. A video interview where Lawrence appeared to slur his words a bit and an appearance at the “Bad Boys” premiere where some fans thought he looked unsteady as he held on to Will Smith for support sparked concern.
“Now Martin, everybody’s talking [about] you on the balcony waving at people, [you’re] looking around, where you’re looking around? Were you looking around like, ‘Yo, this is massive?’” host Ebro Darden asked. “Because people took it like there was something wrong with your health.”
Lawrence explained that he was only surprised by the crowd size at the premiere, saying: “I was like, oh, this is rock concert stuff. What the hell is going on? I was like, for a movie?”
When asked if there is “anything you want to say to the people because they’re concerned about your health,” Lawrence answered: “I’m fine. I’m in God’s hands. I’m blessed, you know? I’m glad to be waking up every day. I’m all good. No need for people to be concerned.”
Lawrence said later in the interview: “I’m healthy as hell. Stop the rumors!”
Fans’ worry for Lawrence could’ve been sparked by his previous medical history. The actor had a health scare in 1999 when he collapsed due to severe heat exhaustion and was put in a three-day coma.
“Bad Boys: Ride or Die” is the fourth entry in Lawrence and co-star Will Smith’s long-running action franchise. Variety’s critic Owen Gleiberman gave the sequel a positive review, writing: “The two stars are in top form, and so past being too old for this shit that it almost seems young again.” The movie opens in theaters June 7.