10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
Will Smith opens up about personal growth post-Oscars slap
Will Smith has given a striking new perspective on the infamous Oscars moment when he slapped Chris Rock in 2022.
Now, nearly three years later, the actor describes the incident as 'bruitiful' — a mix of brutal and beautiful.
The actor reflected on how it forced him to confront authenticity and imperfection in his life and career, according to The Daily Mail.
Will Smith spoke on BBC Radio 1Xtra with Remi Burgz . He said the experience pushed him to embrace his humanity rather than cling to an image of perfection.
'Finding that way to be with my humanity — be able to not be perfect but be human and find a higher power in my humanity,' he explained.
He added that this acceptance allows him to be 'better than Will Smith,' the idealised version of himself he once sought to project.
'The honesty and authenticity and the broader spectrum of the possibilities of who I am is better than Will Smith,' he said.
The slap occurred during the 94th Academy Awards in Los Angeles. Chris Rock had just made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved head, a result of her alopecia diagnosis.
Will Smith stormed the stage and struck Rock. He then shouted for him to 'keep my wife's name out of your mouth,' shocking the global audience.
The incident led to a 10-year ban from the Oscars and widespread backlash.
Despite the fallout, Will Smith has continued to work on his career. However, sources say the incident has had lasting consequences.
Industry insiders reveal that while Smith still has strong instincts for choosing projects. The slap made it difficult for him to secure big-budget films.
His public image took a hit, and some projects were put on hold, costing him an estimated R18 billion (about $1 billion) in lost deals and opportunities.
Will Smith has publicly apologised to Chris Rock and the Academy, expressing remorse and a desire to make amends.
Chris Rock has not yet accepted his offer. The actor has used the experience as a catalyst for personal growth, focusing on authenticity and imperfection rather than maintaining a flawless public persona.
Will Smith's journey highlights the complexities of public accountability and personal evolution in the age of instant global media.
His candid reflections on embracing imperfection resonate universally, reminding us that even those at the pinnacle of fame face human struggles and the need for growth.
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