Jenny McCarthy is shutting down speculation that Jim Carrey had been replaced.
While speaking to PEOPLE at the iHeartRadio Music Awards on March 26, McCarthy addressed the viral conspiracy theory claiming her ex-boyfriend was either impersonated or replaced during his appearance at February’s César Awards. The two were in a relationship from 2005 to 2010.
McCarthy said she had no doubt it was truly Carrey at the French ceremony. More than his changed look, she said what stood out most was how happy he seemed. “He looked very happy at that award show. And I was happy for him,” she explained, adding that his cheerful demeanor was the first thing she noticed.
Her husband, Donnie Wahlberg, agreed, saying people focused too much on Carrey’s appearance instead of recognizing how content he appeared. He noted that the public seemed more concerned with how he looked than how happy he seemed.
Carrey’s return to the spotlight sparked significant online chatter, with some viewers speculating that the actor had been impersonated. Before the César Awards, he had last appeared publicly in November 2025, when he inducted Soundgarden into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
McCarthy and Carrey ended their five-year relationship in 2010 on good terms. At the time, she shared a heartfelt statement expressing gratitude for their years together and said she would remain close to his daughter while always keeping him in her heart.
Carrey attended the César Awards in Paris to receive an honorary prize recognizing his contributions to film and television. According to his representative, he delivered his acceptance speech entirely in French.
César Awards general delegate Gregory Caulier later said Carrey was deeply moved by the invitation and had spent months preparing his speech, carefully working on pronunciation. He also dismissed discussion about Carrey’s appearance, instead praising his generosity, kindness, and elegance.
Carrey most recently appeared in theaters as Dr. Robotnik in the three Sonic the Hedgehog films released in 2020, 2022, and 2024.
