Morgan Freeman, a Hollywood legend known for his commanding presence and iconic voice, took the stage at the 97th Academy Awards on February 28, 2025. While his heartfelt tribute to the late Gene Hackman moved many, some eagle-eyed viewers noticed something unusual—Freeman was wearing a single black glove on his left hand.
It wasn’t the first time the Shawshank Redemption star had sported this mysterious fashion choice. The same glove had been seen at previous Oscars ceremonies, various public events, and even the 2022 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Qatar.
While some assumed it was a fashion statement, others speculated there was a deeper reason behind it. Social media was flooded with questions, with fans wondering why Freeman chose to wear the glove only on one hand.
The real reason behind the glove, however, has nothing to do with fashion. Instead, it is a painful reminder of a life-altering event that left the actor struggling with an incurable condition.
Freeman’s health battle began after a devastating car accident in 2008. On the night of August 3, he was driving near his home in Charleston, Mississippi, when his Nissan Maxima veered off the road. The vehicle flipped multiple times before landing in a ditch.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene and had to cut him out of the wreckage before he was airlifted more than 100 miles to a hospital in Memphis.
Once in the hospital, doctors discovered he had suffered multiple broken bones. He underwent over four hours of surgery to reset his left arm and shoulder. While Freeman survived the crash, the damage left him with permanent nerve damage, affecting his mobility and causing relentless pain.
Following the accident, the actor was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a chronic pain disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. The condition causes widespread pain, muscle stiffness, and extreme sensitivity.
Speaking to People magazine in 2010, Freeman opened up about his struggles. He explained that if he didn’t move his hand frequently, it would swell up painfully.
He also spoke to Esquire, revealing that he suffers from paralysis in parts of his hand, describing the pain as “excruciating.” He admitted that, over the years, he has had to learn to live with it.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fibromyalgia affects around four million adults in the U.S., roughly two percent of the population. There is no cure for the condition, and symptoms can worsen over time.
Freeman wears the black compression glove to reduce swelling, improve circulation, and manage nerve pain in his left hand.
At the 2025 Oscars, while paying tribute to Gene Hackman, Freeman mostly kept his hands clasped behind his back. Still, fans noticed the glove and took to Twitter with speculation.
Comments flooded in, with some asking, “Why is Morgan Freeman wearing one glove?” Others joked, calling him the “Winter Soldier.”
But for Freeman, the glove is not a joke. It is a necessity—a tool to manage pain that has persisted for nearly two decades.
Despite his condition, Freeman continues to thrive in Hollywood. Though he has lost full mobility in his left hand, he remains one of the most respected actors in the industry.
The glove is not a fashion statement. It is a symbol of perseverance, proving that even in the face of relentless pain, Morgan Freeman refuses to be held back.
Feature Image Credit: (Instagram/@morganfreeman)
