WASHINGTON, D.C. — A live Fox Business interview took an unexpected turn Tuesday when Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) suddenly froze mid-sentence, prompting widespread speculation and concern about his health. The brief but viral moment left viewers stunned as the 73-year-old lawmaker appeared unresponsive for several seconds on air.

Clips of the incident quickly spread across social media, with many users questioning whether Kennedy had suffered a medical emergency. However, the Senator later dismissed those claims in classic Kennedy fashion.

“I didn’t have a stroke, and I don’t have a sexually transmitted disease,” Kennedy said in a sharp rebuke to online rumors. “I paused for a moment. That’s it. People need to calm down.”

Known for his colorful one-liners and soundbite-ready style, Kennedy’s response doubled down on his reputation for mixing wit with bluntness. His team confirmed he is in good health and chalked the moment up to a brief lapse in focus, not a medical scare.

While critics seized on the clip, supporters praised Kennedy for addressing the moment head-on — and with trademark humor.