Ice-T has a message for "nonbelievers"

Ice-T Wants "Nonbelievers" To Listen To His COVID-19 Story

Ice-T is opening up about his father-in-law's COVID-19 battle. The rapper and Law & Order: SVU star has shared his family's experience in a new interview with Jimmy Fallon. During the discussion, he revealed he wanted to speak out because "there's still nonbelievers" as the pandemic continues to affect many in the United States. Hear his story below.

Ice-T settled on a particular word as he spoke out on the coronavirus: "scary." That's the message the rapper and actor wants to send to "nonbelievers" after his family dealt with a serious COVID-19 battle.

During his July 29 Tonight Show interview, Ice-T spoke at-length about the harrowing experience of having a family member with COVID-19. His father-in-law, Steve Austin, was diagnosed with the disease and faced a month-long stay in the hospital that left him with damage to his lungs — and at one point involved a "next-of-kin call."

Ice-T and wife Coco Austin are caring for her father, Steve

Ice-T, 62, told Jimmy Fallon of his transition from New York to Arizona, where he noticed a lack of mask wearing. Ultimately, in Arizona, his father-in-law ended up with a case of COVID-19.

"I hate to say it, but Coco's dad is a Harley Davidson-riding, no-maskin' type of dude," he said. "And it put him on his back."

He continued: "He stayed home for nine days with COVID. By the time he went to the hospital, he had pneumonia in two lungs. They held him for about three days in the ICU.

"Then they call you and make those next-of-kin calls, and that's when it's scary. We might have to put him on a ventilator. And it took him a month to make it out of the hospital, God bless him. Now he's home, but his lungs are damaged indefinitely. COVID attacks your lungs and it can leave your lungs ruined."

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Ice-T's message to COVID-19 nonbelievers

The "I'm Your Pusher" rapper added that he's received messages about coming off as "scared" despite his tough persona. But he's putting matters in perspective. "I've made it through so much in my life. I don't wanna die because of this, and especially with a new daughter," he said. "So yeah, I'm aware and I'm concerned and I'm cautious. If you wanna call that scared, call it scared."

The actor, who portrays "Fin Tutuola" on Law & Order: SVU, also brought his 4-year-old daughter Chanel into frame to greet fans. You can watch the interview below.