Ben Askren Exposes Celebs for Lying About Paying $2M Lung Transplant, Medical Bills After Being Discharged From Hospital

After spending months in the hospital, Ben Askren finally left the place and headed home. During the car ride with his wife, Amy, the wrestler shared how he has only fuzzy memories of the whole ordeal and that the road to recovery was going to be long. He still can’t walk properly… but that is just one of the many things he will have to relearn. And while fans have been waiting for new updates about his health, there are several misleading narratives being pushed around his medical bills.

For instance, it was just days ago that Amy exposed how an imposter was pretending to be her and potentially scamming fans by using Askren’s story. This was a sad aftermath to the online funding campaign that Askren’s family and friends conducted to pay his medical bills after the insurance company refused. But it turns out there might be more false narratives swirling on the internet.

In the past few weeks, many reports emerged about celebrities paying off the whole double lung transplant cost. However, YouTuber John Kim debunked that and called it out on X. “There are so many misleading reports about celebrities paying off the whole double lung transplant cost. That is not true AT ALL. If you’re able, please consider giving to his recovery fund.” And now, Ben Askren too has confirmed this.

Reposting Kim’s tweet, the wrestler wrote, “A lot of people have been incredibly generous but any celebrities saying they paid it all are lying.”

It is true that the financial aspect of the whole ordeal was difficult. But slowly, reports had emerged that certain big names have offered monetary help, like, for instance, celebrity boxer Jake Paul. He had previously stated, “It sucks that no one is doing anything. I was obviously super busy this week, so we’re figuring out the donation now. But none of these people, like Dana [White] or anyone, are stepping in. So I feel like I have to do something. And that’s really all it is.”

While he raised questions about White, the UFC CEO confirmed during UFC’s July 12 event in Nashville that he helped Askren’s family. “Yeah. I usually don’t talk about that stuff. But yes I did,” Dana White stated.

According to reports, the whole medical cost for Askren’s treatment amounted to around $2 million. Perhaps Ben Askren’s post was not intended to diminish real support but to clarify the situation. While some celebrities have helped him out generously, rumors that they have paid the entire amount are incorrect.

As his recovery continues, Askren’s message serves as a reminder: The fight isn’t over, and support still matters. And while fans continue to show their support, a former rival also stepped forward to share some positivity with ‘Funky.’

Jorge Masvidal showed his support for Ben Askren!

For many fans, Ben Askren’s post on X was a straightforward call to honesty, not a rejection of the assistance he has received. But perhaps the most unexpected display of respect came from someone many expected to remain silent: Jorge Masvidal. Masvidal, who once had a vicious feud with ‘Funky,’ has now extended an open hand and heartfelt words, leaving the MMA world touched.

‘Gamebred’ addressed his former foe directly in a viral video message earlier this month. “This goes out to the one and only Ben Askren. What’s up, my brother? I know we were rivals in the ring. I just wanna say God bless you. And when I get back in America, if I could come shake your hand brother, and just say a prayer with you, it’ll be amazing, man.”

“I know you’re gonna pull through this, cause you’re a f—— warrior brother. God bless. Your story is crazy inspirational, what you’re going through right now. God bless you, man. I’m hoping to get back and be able to just shake your hand, bro. I hope all is well, brother.” For someone who built a career on that memorable five-second knockout, the move was more than just a gesture. It was a truce. The combat sports community took note of the moment. Daniel Cormier and Michael Chandler sent messages shortly after, both calling Askren one of the toughest men they’d ever known.

Dana White echoed this sentiment, calling Askren’s fortitude “unbelievable.” The gravity of Askren’s survival has erased any lines that might have been drawn by rivalry or promotion. And, in that moment, even the guy who dealt Askren his most brutal defeat reminded us all of what true respect looks like.