What happened to Paul Rudd? Debunking the burn injury speculation that went viral
-
Source: TikTok user @rickglassmanIf you've seen that video of Paul Rudd being carried into an ambulance and looking seriously hurt, you’re not alone — it’s been all over the internet. The clip shows the actor appearing to suffer burn injuries during a podcast taping, and fans were worried something terrible had happened. But here’s the truth: Paul Rudd is totally fine, and the whole thing was staged.
The clip originally came from comedian and podcaster Rick Glassman, who posted a short video on social media showing Paul Rudd getting loaded into an ambulance.
The post claimed the actor had been burned by hot coffee while recording an episode of Glassman’s podcast Take Your Shoes Off.
At first glance, it looked serious, and many people believed it was real.
So what really happened?
Turns out, it was all part of an elaborate prank for the podcast. To debunk this further, the whole scene was scripted and shot for entertainment purposes.
They looked into the full episode — which runs about 81 minutes — and it’s full of clues that this wasn’t a real accident at all.
Early in the episode, actor Michael Cera appears as a character named “Duncan,” who works as Glassman’s assistant.
He offers Paul Rudd a coffee from Dunkin’ and warns him that it’s “extremely hot.”
Not long after, Duncan spills the coffee all over Rudd’s face. Then things get even more dramatic — Glassman tries to cool him down with iced coffee, carries him out of the building, accidentally bangs Rudd’s head on a door, and even drops him on the sidewalk.
It all ends with paramedics arriving and taking Rudd away on a stretcher.
All for entertainment — and a bit of promo
About halfway through the podcast episode, at around the 34:40 mark, Rudd walks back in wearing fake bandages and what looks like burn makeup on his face and neck.
And if that wasn’t enough proof it was staged, the end credits mention a make-up artist (Izzi Galindo) and a stunt performer (A.J. Paratore), who likely helped with the fall and physical gags.
It was all clearly done for laughs and to get people talking — and it worked.
Promotional intent behind the stunt
The staged incident was not a random sketch but part of a broader promotional effort.
The podcast episode was designed to generate attention for Paul Rudd’s upcoming film Friendship, as well as to promote Rick Glassman’s podcast, merchandise, and live stand-up tour.
By incorporating a high-profile guest and a scripted viral moment, the creators were able to capture widespread attention online.
In an era where traditional marketing often struggles to stand out, this unconventional approach effectively engaged audiences and sparked conversation.
For those concerned about Paul Rudd, there is no cause for alarm. The actor was not injured, and there was no real emergency involved.
The ambulance scene, coffee spill, and fall were all part of a scripted segment, executed with the help of professionals.
While staged moments like these are not uncommon in entertainment, this incident serves as a reminder to approach viral content with caution — especially when it appears overly dramatic or lacks context.
TOPICS: Paul Rudd