Will Smith faces a decade-long Oscars ban after infamous slap
- Will Smith slapped Chris Rock during the live broadcast of the Oscars in March 2022 after a joke about his wife.
- Following the incident, Smith was banned from Academy events for 10 years and resigned from the organization.
- Smith's new album reflects on the incident, showcasing his attempts to address the past and reestablish his musical career.
In March 2022, during the 94th Academy Awards held in Los Angeles, California, Will Smith assaulted comedian Chris Rock on stage. The incident occurred after Rock made a joke related to Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, which is due to her struggle with alopecia. Following the slap, Smith shouted at Rock, insisting that he keep his wife’s name out of his mouth. This violent act sparked considerable outcry and controversy, leading to widespread condemnation across the media and public. Shortly after the event, Smith issued a public apology to Rock and the Academy. On April 1, 2022, just a week after the incident, Will Smith resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, relinquishing his voting privileges. The Academy subsequently imposed a 10-year ban on Smith, prohibiting him from attending any Academy events. Despite the ban, Smith remains eligible for nominations and awards for future Oscars. However, he was never asked to return the Oscar he won for his role in "King Richard," which added to the complexities of his situation. In March 2025, Smith released his new album, titled "Based on a True Story," marking his return to music after a 20-year hiatus. The album addresses his altercation with Rock, cleverly incorporating it into the lyrics, particularly in the opening track, which humorously but pointedly discusses the repercussions of the slap. The opening song features voices discussing Smith's reputation, effectively reviving the narrative surrounding the incident while reflecting on themes of public perception and notoriety. The response to his album has been mixed, with critics highlighting Smith's attempt to confront his past through music. Some reviewers suggest that he could have taken a more inventive approach to address the controversies that have surrounded him. Nonetheless, the album signifies Smith's desire to reclaim his identity in the entertainment industry and re-establish his career both as an artist and an actor. While the public remains divided about the incident, Smith's music allows him to express his experiences and feelings regarding the fallout from his actions, underscoring the personal and professional challenges he faces moving forward.