The Oz family has spoken out after Dr. Mehmet Oz’s 11-year-old granddaughter, Philomena “Philo” Bijou Jovanovic, fainted at the White House on April 18.
Philo attended her grandfather’s swearing-in ceremony at the Oval Office after he was named the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. In a clip from the event shared by Fox News, the incident could be heard in the background, with someone yelling, “Philo fainted, Philo fainted. Dad, go!” Dr. Oz then went to check on his granddaughter before White House aides told press they had to leave the room.
Daphne Oz was seen in the footage comforting her daughter, walking over to her and hugging her after she fainted. Daphne, 39, and Philo’s uncle Oliver Oz were later seen walking Philo out of the room, per People.
In a statement to the outlet, a White House spokesperson said, “A minor family member fainted during Dr. Oz’s swearing in ceremony in the Oval Office. We are happy to say she is OK.”
Daphne, 39, took to Instagram on Sunday, April 20, to share an update on how her daughter was doing.
“Thank you to everyone checking in on Philo after her big day in the Oval Office,” she captioned a series of photos from the event. “We are so grateful it was nothing serious, and she bounced right back — with a trip for some delicious Navy Mess soft serve for good measure!!”
“Thank you to the incredible White House team and medical staff who were so kind to her,” she added.
The celebrity chef, who also shares kids Giovanna Ines, 5, Domenica Celine, 7, and Jovan Jr., 9, with husband John Jovanovic, said that it was “more than memorable day at the White House for all of us!!”
“I am so proud our family could be with my father @DrOz as he was sworn in as CMS Administrator with the task of helping all Americans access the health we deserve,” she continued. “I am always in awe of the myriad ways he has found to truly help and save lives, first as a cardio thoracic surgeon, then on his tv show which for many became an invaluable resource in helping us become experts in our own bodies and a part of the conversation. This next chapter is a huge undertaking to help every American regain their hope for health — the best data, the best care, the best outcomes —, and I am rooting for all of us. Love you, Dad!”
In the photos, Philo smiled with her family while holding a cup of ice cream in her hand. Other pictures showed the family walking up the steps of the White House and walking into the Oval Office.
Dr. Oz, 64, also shared a statement on Instagram after his granddaughter fainted in the Oval Office.
“Thank you to everyone who has checked in on our granddaughter Philomena after her eventful afternoon in the Oval Office,” he captioned a post on Easter Sunday. “I am grateful to report she recovered quickly and was treated to delicious Navy Mess soft serve and some very special time speaking with President Trump while they explored the treasure drawer of the Resolute Desk together.”
