The 2025 Oscars delivered plenty of unforgettable moments, but one that stood out was Morgan Freeman’s heartfelt tribute to his late friend and co-star Gene Hackman.
Freeman’s speech resonated deeply with fans, as he honored Hackman, who passed away under mysterious circumstances last month.
While the tribute itself was moving, another detail caught the attention of social media—Freeman’s choice of attire.
The Black Glove That Sparked Questions
During his appearance, the 87-year-old actor was seen wearing a single black glove on his left hand.
This seemingly small detail sent social media into a frenzy, with users on X (formerly Twitter) questioning its significance.
“Morgan Freeman wears a glove on his left hand!!! What??? When were you going to tell me this!!” one user exclaimed.
Another simply asked, “Why was Morgan Freeman wearing a black glove? #Oscars2025.”
Though some were unaware, Freeman has been wearing the glove for years due to a painful medical condition. It’s not a fashion statement but a necessity.
A Painful Battle with Fibromyalgia
Freeman has been open about his struggle with fibromyalgia, a chronic condition that causes widespread pain, fatigue, and muscle stiffness.
His journey with the illness began after a severe car accident in 2008.
The accident, which occurred near his home in Charleston, Mississippi, left him with nerve damage that ultimately paralyzed his left hand.
Emergency workers had to cut him from the wreckage before airlifting him to the hospital, where he spent four days recovering from broken bones, including a fractured arm and elbow.
In a 2012 interview with Esquire, Freeman described the relentless pain as “excruciating” and explained how the condition affects his daily life.
“That’s where it gets so bad. Up and down the arm,” he said.
The Role of the Glove
To manage the effects of fibromyalgia and prevent swelling, Freeman wears a compression glove.
He first mentioned this in 2010, telling People magazine, “I suffered nerve damage and it hasn’t gotten better. I can’t move it.
If you don’t move your hand, it will swell up. Do you know you move your hand about a million times a day?”
This isn’t the first time Freeman has been spotted with the glove.
He previously wore an elbow-length version while presenting at the 2023 Oscars alongside Margot Robbie and has also worn it in his recent role on Paramount+’s Special Ops: Lioness.
The NHS recommends such gloves to improve circulation and provide joint support, compression, and warmth—key factors in managing fibromyalgia symptoms.
Understanding Fibromyalgia and Its Challenges
Fibromyalgia is still widely misunderstood.
It affects millions—between 1.8 million and 2.9 million people in the UK alone and around 4 million adults in the U.S.
The exact cause remains unknown, but experts believe it’s linked to misfiring pain signals in the brain.
Symptoms can vary, with patients experiencing intense pain, fatigue, brain fog, and mood disturbances.
While some find relief for extended periods, others struggle with unpredictable flare-ups.
“We know that fibromyalgia is a relapsing condition,” explains GP Dr. Philippa Kaye.
“Symptoms can suddenly improve, but they can also worsen just as quickly.”
Is There a Cure?
Currently, there is no cure for fibromyalgia.
Treatment focuses on symptom management, with doctors recommending exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and medications typically used for anxiety and depression.
Other pain treatments have shown little effectiveness in the long run.
Despite the challenges, Freeman continues to push forward, working in Hollywood and making public appearances.
His resilience in managing fibromyalgia while maintaining his career is inspiring to many, proving that even in the face of adversity, one can continue to thrive.
So, while social media debates the meaning behind his glove, Freeman knows it’s simply a tool helping him manage a difficult condition.
Fans may be curious, but for him, it’s just part of his daily reality.