Will Smith has spent decades radiating inexhaustible likability, from his debut as a goofy, G-rated rapper to his carefully managed ascension to blockbuster action hero.
But, as he described in his memoir, his pleasant demeanor was a ruse, with a therapist dubbing his good man persona “Uncle Fluffy” and its other equally opposite counterpart, “The General.”
The Slap
During the 94th Academy Awards’ live television broadcast on March 27, 2022, actor Will Smith stepped on stage and smacked comedian Chris Rock across the face as he presented the Best Documentary Award. Just moments before, Rock made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, and her shaved head.
Smith went on to win the award for Best Actor for his portrayal of tennis coach Richard Williams in the film King Richard later in the ceremony. In his victory speech, Smith apologized to the Academy and his colleagues, but not to Rock.
Mr. Smith has now resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which just bestowed an Oscar on him and has condemned his behavior and initiated disciplinary processes against him.
And he’s dealing with the genuine prospect that a night that should have been the pinnacle of his professional career may tarnish a family brand.
How it affected his career
Despite his apology, a few of the films he had signed have been put on hold. Fast and Loose, his film, has also been axed by Netflix. One slap might have proven to be too detrimental for Will Smith’s now dwindling career.
Director David Leitch reportedly pulled out of the project before the 2022 Oscars ceremony, opting to work on Universal’s Ryan Gosling picture Fall Guy. According to Variety, the streaming giant has opted to pull out as well. According to sources, Will’s other projects, such as The Council and Bright 2, maybe put on hold.
Is Will Smith’s Career At Stake? A Couple Of Films Signed By Him Have Reportedly Been Suspended
