Eddie Griffin questions Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s death: ‘I don’t believe that man drowned’ [VIDEO]
Eddie Griffin Calls Warner’s Drowning Death in Costa Rica “Too Suspicious”
Comedian Eddie Griffin has sparked heated discussion across social media after voicing skepticism about the recent death of actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner. During a live comedy set, Griffin questioned the official narrative that Warner, best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, drowned in a tragic accident while vacationing in Costa Rica.
The clip of Griffin’s remarks, originally shared on X (formerly Twitter) by @ArtOfDialogue, quickly went viral. In the video, Griffin says, “I don’t believe that man drowned. I don’t. It’s too suspicious, there were too many different stories.” The tone of the bit is partially humorous, but Griffin appeared serious when expressing his doubts, which reignited online conspiracy theories and drew strong reactions from users across platforms.
Warner’s Death: What Authorities Reported
Malcolm-Jamal Warner passed away on July 20, 2025, at the age of 54. He died while visiting Playa Grande in Cahuita, Limón province. According to Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) and the local Red Cross, Warner drowned after being caught in a strong rip current while swimming with a male friend. The friend was able to escape and make it back to shore. However, Warner was pulled out to sea.
Bystanders, including a doctor, pulled Warner from the water and attempted to revive him using CPR and a defibrillator. However, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of death was ruled as asphyxia by submersion. The beach is known for its dangerous rip currents, and on that day, conditions were particularly hazardous.
Initial reports added to the confusion. Early accounts from local tourist police incorrectly stated Warner was in the water with his 8-year-old daughter, who was rescued. This detail was later corrected by Costa Rican authorities, clarifying that Warner’s daughter was on shore at the time and not involved in the incident. Another man who entered the water to assist Warner was hospitalized but later recovered.
Eddie Griffin’s Controversial Commentary
Griffin, who co-starred with Warner in the 1990s sitcom Malcolm & Eddie, addressed the actor’s death in a recent stand-up performance. Beyond expressing doubt about the drowning, he highlighted discrepancies in the early reports—namely, whether Warner was swimming with his daughter or a friend, the presence of a doctor on the beach, and why the child’s mother was reportedly absent.
“Something ain’t right. That was Bill Cosby’s TV son. His real son was murdered. Now this? Nah, Cosby did something dirty,” Griffin said during the performance. While the crowd responded with laughter at times, Griffin maintained a serious tone during much of the segment.
This isn’t the first time Griffin has courted controversy. He has previously expressed conspiratorial views on various topics, including Hollywood and politics. For some, this undermines the credibility of his statements. For others, it adds fuel to existing skepticism around Warner’s death and the broader narratives surrounding celebrity tragedies.
Bill Cosby Draws Parallels to Son’s Death
Warner’s death has hit especially hard for Bill Cosby, who played his on-screen father for nearly a decade. Cosby released a statement shortly after the news broke, drawing a personal parallel between Warner and his own real-life son, Ennis Cosby, who was murdered in a 1997 roadside robbery.
Cosby referred to Warner as a “surrogate son” and noted how the news reopened old wounds. “It’s like losing family all over again,” Cosby stated. The emotional weight of this history added a new dimension to Griffin’s commentary, particularly his allusion to Cosby’s past and the implication of some deeper wrongdoing.
Public Reaction on Social Media
The video clip of Griffin’s remarks received over 447,000 views on X within 24 hours, generating intense debate. A majority of users condemned his comments as inappropriate and insensitive.
“Eddie Griffin is a conspiracy nut job… his house walls lined with tin foil,” one user wrote.
Another added, “Super disrespectful to this man’s family… let that man’s family grieve in peace.”
Others were more supportive or amused, defending Griffin as someone known for speaking candidly and pushing boundaries. “One of the most underrated comedians of all time. What are you, 12?” wrote one defender. Another chimed in, “I don’t believe he drowned either. There’s more to this.”
Still, the overwhelming tone leaned toward disapproval. Some accused Griffin of weaponizing conspiracy for attention, while others emphasized the pain such comments could cause to Warner’s loved ones.
Conspiracy Theories Gain Steam
Following Griffin’s remarks, conspiracy-laden videos began circulating across platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook. Titles such as “Eddie Griffin Tried To WARN Malcolm-Jamal Warner Before His Death” and “What Eddie Griffin Just SAID CONFIRMS Our Worst Fears” racked up thousands of views.
These theories often speculate about Warner being a target due to his proximity to Bill Cosby or propose vague ideas about Hollywood corruption. Some cite Griffin’s previous rants against “industry elites” and claim Warner’s death was a “sacrifice.”
Yet, no credible evidence supports any of these claims. Costa Rican authorities have closed the case, confirming it was an accidental drowning based on autopsy results and eyewitness accounts.
Clarified Reports vs. Lingering Doubts
While the early confusion about Warner’s daughter led to speculation, officials made timely clarifications. They confirmed Warner was swimming with a friend, not his daughter, and that a trained medical professional was on the beach. These details were supported by witness statements and medical records.
However, for conspiracy theorists, these explanations came too late to quash suspicions. Once misinformation gains traction online, even corrected facts struggle to compete with speculation fueled by emotional narratives.
Legacy and Final Thoughts
Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s legacy as an actor, director, and musician remains firmly intact. He was praised not only for his iconic role on The Cosby Show but also for his work on Reed Between the Lines and numerous spoken word and jazz projects.
His untimely death remains a tragedy. While public figures like Eddie Griffin may continue to question the circumstances, the official findings stand: Warner died in a tragic accident in dangerous waters. The insistence on alternative explanations says as much about the public’s distrust in institutions as it does about the facts of the case.
As conspiracy theories continue to spread, Warner’s family, friends, and fans are left grappling not only with the pain of loss but also with the noise of suspicion. The hope remains that his life and contributions are what ultimately endure, not speculation about his final moments.