Simon Cowell feared he’d never walk again after horror accident

Simon Cowell, one of the most recognizable figures in the entertainment industry, has built a remarkable career as a music executive and television personality. With shows like America’s Got Talent and The X Factor, he became a household name and a multi-millionaire. But in 2020, his life took a dramatic turn after a serious accident that could have ended much differently.

While testing a new electric bike at his home in Malibu, Cowell was suddenly thrown into the air when the bike pulled a wheelie. He landed hard on his back, instantly knowing something was wrong. “I knew I’d broken my back the minute I hit the ground,” Cowell later said. The accident left him with a severe spinal injury, requiring emergency surgery that lasted six hours. Surgeons inserted a metal rod in his back, and the situation was so critical that Cowell feared he might never walk again.

Initially, Cowell tweeted a light-hearted message thanking fans for their support and joking about reading the manual before riding an electric bike. But behind the scenes, things were far more serious. In later interviews, he revealed that when he saw the X-ray of his injury, it became clear just how close he came to permanent paralysis. “The doctor said, ‘I’m not going to lie. You may not walk again,’” Cowell recalled.

Doctors advised him to remain still and rest, but Cowell, determined and stubborn, was walking—against medical advice—just two days after surgery. “I just couldn’t lie there. I needed to move, even if I had to be carried,” he said. The recovery process, however, was long, painful, and emotionally draining.

One of the most difficult moments for Simon was returning home and facing his son, Eric. He felt embarrassed about how he looked and moved after the operation. “I came back looking like I was 100 years old,” he said. But Eric’s innocent and heartwarming reaction helped lift his spirits: “Daddy, you’re like Ironman,” he said, referring to the metal rods in his father’s back.

The recovery took nearly a year, during which Cowell experienced moments of helplessness and intense pain. “I’ve never felt anything like it. You can’t move, you can’t do anything on your own. But I promised myself I’d come back stronger—and I did,” Cowell said.

In hindsight, Cowell says the accident, while terrifying, had a strange silver lining. “I’ve got to be honest, breaking my back wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. It forced me to exercise and get into better shape. I actually feel healthier now than I did before the accident,” he told People. With his signature humor, he joked, “If you want to feel better, break your back!”

Cowell is now fully healed and has returned to his usual busy schedule, appearing on America’s Got Talent and other shows. Despite everything, he says the experience taught him a valuable lesson: “Your health and your family are what really matter. Don’t take risks that aren’t worth it.”