*Will Smith has reflected on his decade-long ban from the Oscars following his infamous onstage slap of Chris Rock during the 2022 Academy Awards.
While the incident overshadowed his historic win for “King Richard,” in which he earned his first Oscar for Best Actor, Smith has expressed a desire to focus on personal growth in the wake of the controversy. In a recent interview, Smith opened up about his current outlook.
“I am looking to be the best human I can possibly be, and I’m gonna take what I get with that,” he said, acknowledging the consequences of his actions, per Complex, citing the Associated Press.
The Academy banned Smith from attending its events for 10 years, a penalty he accepted without protest. Smith had previously resigned from the Academy and publicly apologized to Rock, calling his behavior “out of line” and admitting that his actions didn’t reflect the person he aspires to be.
The altercation occurred after Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, which was due to a medical condition. Smith walked on stage and slapped Rock, later shouting, “Keep my wife’s name out your fucking mouth.”
Scroll to continue reading
The actor admitted that he acted out of intense emotion, explaining that the joke about Jada’s condition was “too much for me to bear.”
He later reached out to Rock to apologize, but the comedian wasn’t ready to engage at that time. Smith reiterated his apology in a video, saying, “My behavior was unacceptable and I’m here whenever you’re ready to talk.”
Meanwhile, Smith is making a triumphant return to music with his first full-length album in over two decades.
Titled “Based on a True Story,” the highly anticipated project is set for release on March 28 and will feature a mix of star-studded collaborations. Fans can expect appearances from DJ Jazzy Jeff, Teyana Taylor, and Jac Ross, among others.
The 14-track album will also include previously released singles such as “First Love,” “Beautiful Scars,” “TANTRUM,” “Work of Art,” and “You Can Make It,” per the news release.
Will’s return to the music scene is already making waves. His latest single, “You Can Make It,” featuring Fridayy and the Sunday Service Choir, recently climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Gospel Airplay Chart—marking his first chart-topping hit since his 1998 classic “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It.” The uplifting track, which he debuted in a fiery performance at the 2024 BET Awards, has resonated deeply with audiences, blending elements of hip-hop and gospel.
READ MORE FROM EURWEB.COM: Will Smith to Release ‘Based on a True Story,’ His First Full-Length Album in 20 Years
Sign up for our Free daily newsletter HERE.
