John Singleton Hospitalized Amid Reports Of 'Mild' Stroke
John Singleton has been hospitalized after suffering a stroke, his family confirmed in a statement.
The acclaimed director had the stroke on Wednesday while already at the hospital and is currently in an intensive care unit, a spokesperson for the family told HuffPost in an emailed statement Saturday.
“We ask that privacy be given to him and our family at this time and appreciate all of the prayers that have been pouring in from his fans, friends and colleagues,” the statement continued.
Variety reports that Singleton had checked himself into the hospital with leg pain.
Singleton, known for classic films including “Poetic Justice,” “Higher Learning,” “Shaft” and “Baby Boy,” became the first African American ever to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Director with his 1991 film “Boyz n the Hood.”
He also received an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay for the film that year, which at the time made him the youngest director to be nominated in both of those categories.
Social media users have responded with an outpouring of concern for the influential filmmaker, including celebrities who have begun sending Singleton their well wishes:
Prayers up for @SHAFT6816 🙏🏾🙏🏾
Pull thru brother! The world needs your voice and vision. Prayers up for your family as well 🙏🏾🙏🏾— OMAR EPPS (@omarepps) April 20, 2019
Praying hard this morning for my friend @johnsingleton PULL THROUGH BABY ❤️ pic.twitter.com/neYNnRFmX4
— Nia Long (@NiaLong) April 20, 2019
Prayers up to director John Singleton @SHAFT6816 . He suffered a stroke last night. This photo is from 2016 when I interviewed him at the @ABFF. John is a strong, influential voice and it matters. He is 51. Add him to your prayer list! #RolandMartinUnfiltered pic.twitter.com/YJsswPf06v
— rolandsmartin (@rolandsmartin) April 20, 2019
This article has been updated to include a statement from Singleton’s family.
Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today.
This article originally appeared on HuffPost.