During a recent stream, iShowSpeed noticed something a little unusual about comedian Theo Von, he was chewing gum nonstop. Speed couldn’t help himself and joked, “Is that like a Tennessee thing?” The line quickly blew up online, sparking laughs, confusion, and plenty of discussion. What started as a small laugh suddenly became one of those viral moments you can’t ignore.
The real twist came when Theo explained why he chews so much gum, sometimes up to 12 pieces a day. It isn’t just a random habit. He said it’s part of his addiction recovery, using gum as a way to cope and stay on track. That honest reveal is what turned a silly roast into a viral moment.
Theo Von’s Gum Chewing Caught Speed’s Attention
Theo Von is usually the one making jokes, but this time, the focus was on him. While streaming with iShowSpeed, his constant chewing caught Speed’s eye, and he jokingly asked if it was “a Tennessee thing.” The question was funny, but it opened the door to something much more real.
Theo shared that his gum habit isn’t about fresh breath or a quirky personality trait. It’s tied to his recovery journey. Chewing gum, sometimes a dozen pieces a day, helps him manage cravings and keep his mind focused. It’s part of how he gets through each day.
That honesty stood out. You don’t usually hear conversations about addiction recovery in the middle of a livestream, especially from someone like Von, who usually leans into comedy. The unexpected openness made the moment stand out and gave fans a new perspective on him.
It also shows why internet culture loves moments like this. It had everything: a playful roast, an awkward pause, and then a real-life story that connected with people. That’s why it spread far beyond just Speed’s audience.
How A Simple Question Turned Into A Viral Internet Moment
At first, Speed’s comment was nothing more than teasing. But once Von explained why he chews so much gum, the tone of the moment changed. What could have been just a throwaway joke turned into something meaningful.
Some people saw this as a brave moment. Von being open about his recovery helped take away some of the stigma, and it showed that healing isn’t always big or dramatic. Sometimes it’s just small things, like chewing gum, that help.
The moment gave a real mix of reactions online. Some fans were curious, like one user who wrote, “Does that truly works? I know someone who’s addicted to same thing and it hard for him to stop it..Is there any medical doctor that can confirm this please?”
Others were more supportive, with one user saying, “I mean if it helps him, that’s great!” and another adding, “Love how he’s trying to recover and stop his addiction.”
Of course, not everyone kept it serious. The jokes started rolling in, too. One fan laughed, “Theo got monster jaws if he chewing 12 pieces of gum like it’s nothing,” while another quoted his line, “I do a lot of gum,” with a row of laughing emojis.
What started as a joke about gum quickly turned into something real. Theo Von’s honesty gave fans more than just a laugh; it gave them perspective. Sometimes the internet’s funniest moments are also the most human.
Published: Sep 11, 2025 01:36 pm