Hollywood star Tiffany Haddish recently stepped into the spotlight to clear up a big misunderstanding. Fans were buzzing after she shared a picture on Instagram. The photo showed her with her longtime friend Jason Lee and, surprisingly, a baby.
The confusion started after Haddish posted the snapshot on August 3rd. Many people quickly assumed the 45-year-old comedian had welcomed a new child. Even her own family members began asking questions. Haddish addressed the rumors head-on during her guest hosting gig on Jimmy Kimmel Live! this past Tuesday, August 19th. (Haddish is one of several celebrities filling in for Kimmel, 57, during his summer break.)
"There’s a personal matter I think needs to be talked about," Haddish told the audience during the show’s opening monologue. She explained how the picture sent everyone into a frenzy. "Everyone went crazy," she said. "For some reason, people saw this and thought I had a baby."
The cameras then zoomed in on Jason Lee, 47, who was sitting in the studio audience. Haddish playfully spoke directly to him. "The whole world has gone crazy over this beautiful baby," she teased, then added, "I went and made him our godchild."
Haddish then confirmed the news everyone was waiting for: she did not have a baby with Lee. She joked, "Jason, the offer is still on the table if you want to have a real baby." Lee quickly shot back, "And I’m still gay."
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Haddish further clarified, "I haven’t had a baby, but I am open to it. Totally open to it."
The comedian and actress, who was married to William Stewart for three years and dated rapper Common from 2020 to 2021, has spoken before about becoming a mother. In 2021, she shared with Us Weekly her plans to adopt a child. At that time, she mentioned putting those plans on "pause." She explained it was due to her busy career schedule. Haddish wants to be completely ready when she becomes a mom. She said she wants to "be able to focus on them."
"I want to raise them," Haddish explained. "I want to raise the child. I want to give them my knowledge and my love. So I want to finish a few more things so I can really focus." She added, "It’s one thing to have a dog and a garden and take care of them. But to have another human being that needs me and that I’m responsible for, I want to be present. I want to be completely present. I don’t want anyone else doing that job."
During her monologue on Tuesday, Haddish jokingly listed her dream partners for a baby. Her list included "Marcus from Running Point," played by Toby Sandeman. She also named Tom Cruise, because "no mission is too impossible for me." And finally, Brad Pitt, who can "push any of my Benjamin buttons."
Haddish wrapped up the baby talk with a funny call to anyone interested. "If you or someone you know wants to put a baby in me, hit me up on social media," she announced.
The Instagram post that sparked all the buzz showed Haddish and Lee smiling. They posed together with a baby. The caption read, "Cats out the bag."