CANADIAN EPILEPSY ALLIANCE Statement on Ken Jeong’s Netflix Comedy Special
Deirdre Floyd, President of Canadian Epilepsy Alliance: “I am somewhat mystified as to why forms of entertainment find it amusing to inaccurately portray first aid for seizures at all.”
For Immediate Release – February 25, 2019
Once again the Canadian Epilepsy Alliance is responding to another example of inaccurate information in relation to first aid for seizures on Netflix’s Special called “Ken’s Jeong’s Comedy Special. This is so disappointing for the client base we serve in Canada that live with seizures disorders. As someone who has epilepsy, I am somewhat mystified as to why forms of entertainment find it amusing to inaccurately portray first aid for seizures at all, says Deirdre Floyd, President of The Canadian Epilepsy Alliance/Alliance Canadienne de l’epilepsie (CEA/ ACE).
What makes this particular Comedy Special particularly disturbing is that Ken Jeong appears to be a medical doctor. While I understand comic routines aren’t to be taken seriously I really don’t understand why it is even necessary to include anything about a medical condition, let alone inaccurate information especially from someone who makes a point to let his audience know he is a medical doctor.
In a recent Press release from Phil Gattone, CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation of America, it was noted that in Jeong’s show, he talks about how Ice Cube “saved” someone having a seizure by wrapping a belt around the person’s mouth because the person could have swallowed their tongue. He then praised Ice Cube for his quick response. This is absolutely NOT the way to aid someone having a seizure. In fact, this wrong action could, at the very least, cause serious injury to the individual having the seizure and to the person attempting to provide help. And, at the worst, this wrong action could result in the death of the person having the seizure.
The Canadian Epilepsy Alliance is joining the Epilepsy Foundation of America to make the public aware that Jeong’s Comedy Special inaccurately depicts first aid for seizures. The mission of the CEA/ACE is to educate and provide correct information to the Public that include the various types of seizures and appropriate first aid for all types of seizures.
Real Facts about Epilepsy:
Epilepsy is a neurological condition of the brain characterized by the tendency to have recurring seizures. There are over forty different types of seizures and the triggers for seizures are very individualized. In Canada there are over 260, 000 Canadians living with epilepsy. Not all seizures are the same. The onset of epilepsy can begin at any age. To learn more about first aid for seizures visit: https://www.canadianepilepsyalliance.org/about-epilepsy
About the Canadian Epilepsy Alliance
The Canadian Epilepsy Alliance (CEA) is a Canada-wide network of grassroots organizations dedicated to the promotion of independence and quality of life for people with epilepsy and their families, through support services, information, advocacy, and public awareness.
As the voting member of the International Bureau of Epilepsy (IBE), the CEA is the voice for those living with epilepsy in Canada and internationally. The IBE is the international organization that serves to develop, support and link national epilepsy organizations around the world and exists to improve the quality of life of all people with epilepsy and their families and careers. The Canadian Epilepsy Alliance works with the IBE and participates in global initiatives representing those living with epilepsy in Canada.
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Trevor Gordon, CEA Social Media Coordinator
communications@canadianepilepsyalliance.org
(905) 450-1900
