John Singleton, the director, producer, and screenwriter behind the 1991 hit film “Boyz N the Hood” and several other movies was removed from life support on Monday by his family. The decision was made nearly two weeks after Singleton suffered a major stroke which left him in critical condition and clinging to life. Twitter was quick to respond to the saddening news.
https://twitter.com/Robert_Townsend/status/1122872949206159363
“It is with heavy hearts we announce that our beloved son, father, and friend, John Daniel Singleton will be taken off of life support today,” said the statement, which was released by Singleton’s publicist around 10 a.m. Pacific time. “This was an agonizing decision, one that our family made, over a number of days, with the careful counsel of John’s doctors.”
Related Story: John Singleton in Coma After Major Stroke, Black Directors Show Support on Social Media
The devastating news follows initial reports from this morning claiming the director had already died. Those reports turned out to be false. Singleton, 51, who was a native of Los Angeles, was nominated for an Oscar for his directing in his debut film “Boyz N the Hood,” which centered Black teen boys growing up amid violence in LA. He was the first African-American and the youngest person ever to be nominated for the award.
RIP John Singleton. So sad to hear. John was a brave artist and a true inspiration. His vision changed everything.
— Jordan Peele (@JordanPeele) April 29, 2019
He had been diagnosed with high blood pressure, which affects more than 40 percent of African-American men and women. Many times it is the cause of massive strokes.
His daughter Cleopatra, despite reports, had maintained that her father was not in a coma and that his condition was improving.
Mourning the loss of a collaborator & True Friend John Singleton. He blazed the trail for many young film makers, always remaining true to who he was & where he came from!!! RIP Brother. Gone Way Too Soon!
— Samuel L. Jackson (@SamuelLJackson) April 29, 2019
The conflicting reports about Singleton’s health status came while Cleopatra Singleton and her grandmother Sheila Ward fight over control of the 51-year-old director’s care and finances.
She states that Singleton’s mother abused her power as the manager of her son’s affairs.
“My father’s allowed his mother to stay in that position out of fear and obligation to her as she’s bullied and abandoned my father since he was a small child, leaving him emotionally defenseless,” Cleopatra Singleton said in court documents. She has suggested that another family member be named conservator.
The family issued a statement following the announcement saying: “John Daniel Singleton will be survived by his extraordinary mother, Sheila Ward, his father, Danny Singleton, and his children Justice, Maasai, Hadar, Cleopatra, Selenesol, Isis, and Seven.”
