Latest news with #BasedOnATrueStory
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Will Smith says Oscars slap fallout was brutal
Three years after he slapped comedian Chris Rock on stage at the Oscars, Will Smith says making a mistake so publicly was "brutal". "The last few years for me have been really deep reflection," the actor tells 1Xtra's Remi Burgz. "After the Oscars I shut it down for a minute and really went into the internal work and just taking a big, strong, honest look at myself." Will was banned from the awards ceremony for 10 years after he hit the comedian for joking about his wife's shaved head - a result of alopecia, a hair loss condition. "For the first time in my career, [I was] having to deal with a level of disapproval that I never had to experience," Will says. "The addiction to the approval of others that I had to dissolve, it was brutal." At the 2022 ceremony in Los Angeles, Chris Rock mocked Will's wife Jada's appearance. Clips showing Will immediately marching on stage and slapping him across the face and telling him to keep his wife's name out his mouth have been viewed millions of times online. Will resigned from the Oscars Academy shortly after, saying his actions were "shocking, painful, and inexcusable". The 56-year-old tells 1Xtra the fallout has also given him to time to reflect. "It was just like there was a manhole cover over some unexplored areas and the manhole cover came off," he says. "It was scary for a minute what was in there. "But then all of a sudden, all these new thoughts, new energies, new creativity came through like a geyser and it started showing up as music." Earlier this year Will released his first album in 20 years, Based On A True Story, and tells 1Xtra he asked for advice before heading back to the studio. "When I started writing, I called Jay Z and I called Kendrick," he says. "Kendrick said you have to say those things you've always been scared to say and Jay Z said don't even go near it if you're not trying to tell the truth." The new music hasn't been a hit with critics. Pitchfork said it was "excruciatingly corny" while Rolling Stone described it as "cringey... clunky and dated" in a two-and-a-half star review. But Will says it was a "fun way to express the madness of what goes on in my head". "It is the exploration of what I call the 'despicable prisoners'. "It's the parts of myself that have been banished, the parts of myself I'm not allowed to talk about on the radio, the part of myself I'm not even allowed to acknowledge is real. "Working in that space of authenticity, honesty and imperfection, allowing that to grow into a higher perfection than the imagery of Will Smith is where I am as an artist and as a human right now." Remi's full interview with Will Smith is available to stream on BBC Sounds. Why did Will Smith hit Chris Rock? Will Smith resigns from Oscars Academy over slap Will Smith banned from Oscars for 10 years Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here.
IOL News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Will Smith reflects on his transformation after the infamous Oscars slap
Smith described the introspective journey as 'brutal but beautiful' or 'brutiful', ultimately leading to a new era of creativity and self-awareness. In a candid conversation on BBC's "1Xtra" with host Remi Burgz, Will Smith opened up about the profound transformation he has undergone since the infamous incident at the 2022 Oscars, where he slapped comedian Chris Rock. Reflecting on the shocking moment, which was televised worldwide, the actor acknowledged that it forced him to take a 'big, strong, honest look at myself". In the aftermath of the incident, which occurred after Rock made a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith's hair loss, Smith decided to take a step back and engage in deep self-reflection. 'After the Oscars I, like, shut it down for a minute and really went into the internal work,' he explained during the interview. "All of a sudden, it was like there was a manhole cover over some unexplored areas, and like the manhole cover came off, and it was scary for a minute ... Then all of a sudden all of these new thoughts, new energies and new creativity came through. So, I feel like I'm brand new." He continued: "I feel like the greatest creative period of my life will be in the next, you know, five to 10 years." The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences described Smith's behaviour as 'unacceptable and harmful', subsequently issuing a 10-year ban on his attendance at the prestigious awards ceremony. Nevertheless, the actor appears to have channelled the turmoil into his artistry, marking his return to music with a new album, "Based On A True Story", which also touches on the Oscars incident.
Daily Mail
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Will Smith, 56, mercilessly mocked over 'corny' new rap video after comeback album flopped in the charts
Will Smith has divided fans after continuing his music comeback with a brand new single. The 56-year-old released a music video for his new single Pretty Girls on Friday, less than three months after the release of his last studio album, Based on a True Story, which flopped in the charts. In the video, Smith raps about his love of beautiful women while surrounded by four female backup dancers. 'It's a full house, better play your cards right / I'ma post your pic if you pose / Make one phone call, you in Vogue / Head, shoulders, knees, toes / Hold up, wait, pose,' he raps. 'I like BBLs / That stand for "Bad b**ches link up" / Poppin in the club all night in the section / Picture perfect, I swear you perfection.' The song drew a mixed reception online, with one person writing, 'My ears bleeding again good god.' Another commented, 'Somebody stop him, please!' while a third added, 'Need the ghost of Quincy Jones to slap him.' Others said that the song was 'corny' and that it was time for Smith to give up on his hip-hop career. However, others were more complimentary, with one fan gushing, 'This brought a much needed smile to my face. I love the fact that I still get happy when I see Will happy.' Another wrote, 'A song about women that doesn't feel degrading. Good stuff!' The new single comes after Smith made his long-awaited return to music with Based on a True Story — his first album in 20 years. Released on March 28, the project reunited the Men In Black star with longtime collaborator DJ Jazzy Jeff and featured contributions from Teyana Taylor and his son Jaden Smith. He released five singles from the album, including Beautiful Scars with rapper Big Sean. Alongside the album, Smith also announced an accompanying tour — one that had fans in stitches after he revealed the unexpected and unconventional locations for his first-ever UK and European shows. Despite a large promotional push behind the record, Based On a True Story became Smith's first album to miss the charts entirely. Smith has faced controversy in recent years, most notably when slapping comedian Chris Rock at the 94th Academy Awards in March 2022. Rock was presenting the Oscar for Best Documentary at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood when he joked about Will's wife Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved head. He compared her to the shaved head look of Demi Moore in the 1997 movie G.I. Jane - and Pinkett Smith, who suffers from alopecia, did not laugh at the joke. Smith approached the stage and slapped Rock across the face with his right hand. Rock responded by telling the shocked audience: 'Will Smith just smacked the s*** out of me.' That same evening, Smith won the Best Actor award for his performance in King Richard as Richard Williams, the father of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams.
Daily Mail
04-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Will Smith cuts a smart casual figure in a textured knit polo as he parties with Jude Bellingham at Ibiza club
Will Smith took to Instagram on Sunday to share a slew of snaps from his fun night out with DJ Anyma and football star Jude Bellingham at Ibiza's brand new [UNVRS] nightclub. The actor, 56, cut a smart casual figure in a textured knit polo top as he let loose on the Spanish party island. He paired the look with black trousers and appeared in high spirits, posing for several photos with his famous pals. Anyma, 37, kept things laid-back in a velour sleeveless gilet and a graphic print tee as he posed with Will and fellow DJ Rampa. Meanwhile, pro footballer Jude, 21, also opted for a smart casual vibe in a polo shirt and trousers. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new showbiz newslette r to stay in the loop. Will also gave fans a sneak peek inside Ibiza's latest superclub, which officially opened its doors on Friday night. The colossal venue boasts a 10,000-person capacity and is instantly recognisable thanks to a towering crashed UFO sculpture at the entrance. Inside, guests can enjoy open-air terraces with sweeping views of Formentera, along with high-energy performances from dancers throughout the night. Sharing the night's highlights on Instagram, Will captioned the post: 'Last night in the UNVRS.' It comes as Will is set to head to Britain on an unlikely tour of places including Brixton - charging fans hundreds of pounds for pictures with him. The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air and Men In Black actor will be hitting venues including the O2 Academy in Brixton, south London, Wolverhampton's Civic Hall, Cardiff Castle and Scarborough Open Air Theatre. Tickets for the shows alone have gone on sale at prices from £61.60 upwards - but the actor is also promoting more expensive closer encounters. His Brixton appearance scheduled for August 28 this year has standing tickets available for £60 a piece, alongside what is called a 'Will Smith First Entry Merch Package' offer costing £228. This promises an 'Exclusive Will Smith Merchandise Pack', a commemorative VIP laminate and an 'on site VIP host'. Yet buyers are told to note: 'THIS VIP PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE A MEET & GREET. THERE IS NO ARTIST INVOLVEMENT WITH THIS PACKAGE.' Alternatively, however, customers can spend £415 apiece on what is highlighted as a 'Will Smith Group Photo and Soundcheck Experience'. This offers not only the merchandise pack and the VIP laminate but also access to a pre-show soundcheck and a 'Group Photo Opportunity with Will Smith'. The American rapper and actor is travelling across the Atlantic to perform tracks from his recent release Based On A True Story - Smith's first full-length album in 20 years, following 2005's Lost And Found. The tour, expected to also include such hits as Gettin' Jiggy Wit It and Miami, lands in England with a date at the seaside resort Scarborough, with Smith performing on August 24 at the town's Open Air Theatre. This will be followed by a gig at Cardiff's Bute Park on August 25 and a concert at Manchester's Victoria Warehouse on August 27. Will is due to perform at London's Brixton Academy the day before a final gig at University of Wolverhampton at the Halls on August 30. The star's Cardiff appearance on August 25 comes with the offer of what is dubbed the 'Ultimate Will Smith VIP Experience', priced at £1,290 per person. This promises a photo opportunity with Smith, an exclusive guided stage tour, access to the pre-concert soundcheck and a signed and framed 'vintage-style poster'. Will has faced controversy in recent years, most notably when slapping comedian Chris Rock at the 94th Academy Awards in March 2022 - and his choice of venues for his forthcoming tour comes in contrast to Chris's most recent UK appearances. Chris was presenting the Oscar for Best Documentary at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood when he joked about Will's wife Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved head. He compared her to the shaved head look of Demi Moore in the 1997 movie G.I. Jane - and Jada, who suffers from alopecia, did not laugh at the joke. Will approached the stage and slapped Chris across the face with his right hand. Chris responded by telling the shocked audience: 'Will Smith just smacked the s*** out of me.' That same evening, Will won the Best Actor award for his performance in King Richard as Richard Williams, the father of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams. It comes as Will is set to head to Britain on an unlikely tour of places including Brixton - charging fans hundreds of pounds for pictures with him
Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Fallen Hollywood star Will Smith charging fans £400 to see him perform and have their picture taken with him... at bizarre concert tour date in BRIXTON
Hollywood A-lister Will Smith is heading to Britain on an unlikely tour of places including Brixton - charging fans hundreds of pounds for pictures with him. The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air and Men In Black actor will be hitting venues including the O2 Academy in Brixton, south London, Wolverhampton's Civic Hall, Cardiff Castle and Scarborough Open Air Theatre. Tickets for the shows alone have gone on sale at prices from £61.60 upwards - but the actor is also promoting more expensive closer encounters. His Brixton appearance scheduled for August 28 this year has standing tickets available for £60 apiece, alongside what is called a 'Will Smith First Entry Merch Package' offer costing £228. This promises an 'Exclusive Will Smith Merchandise Pack', a commemorative VIP laminate and an 'on site VIP host'. Yet buyers are told to note: 'THIS VIP PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE A MEET & GREET. THERE IS NO ARTIST INVOLVEMENT WITH THIS PACKAGE.' Alternatively, however, customers can spend £415 apiece on what is highlighted as a 'Will Smith Group Photo and Soundcheck Experience'. This offers not only the merchandise pack and the VIP laminate but also acess to a pre-show soundcheck and a 'Group Photo Opportunity with Will Smith'. His British visit includes venues in south London, Scarborough and Wolverhampton The American rapper and actor, 56, is travelling across the Atlantic to perform tracks from his recent release Based On A True Story - Smith's first full-length album in 20 years, following 2005's Lost And Found. The tour, expected to also include such hits as Gettin' Jiggy Wit It and Miami, lands in England with a date at the seaside resort Scarborough, with Smith performing on on August 24 at the town's Open Air Theatre. This will be followed with a gig at Cardiff's Bute Park on August 25 and a concert at Manchester's Victoria Warehouse on August 27. Smith is due to perform at London's Brixton Academy the day before a final gig at University of Wolverhampton at the Halls on August 30. The star's Cardiff appearance on August 25 comes with the offer of what is dubbed the 'Ultimate Will Smith VIP Experience', priced at £1,290 per person. This promises a photo opportunity with Smith, an exclusive guided stage tour, access to the pre-concert soundcheck and a signed and framed 'vintage-style poster'. Smith has faced controversy in recent years, most notably when slapping comedian Chris Rock at the 94th Academy Awards in March 2022 - and his choice of venues for his forthcoming tour come in contrast to Rock's most recent UK appearances. Rock was presenting the Oscar for Best Documentary at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood when he joked about Will's wife Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved head. He compared her to the shaved head look of Demi Moore in the 1997 movie G.I. Jane - and Pinkett Smith, who suffers from alopecia, did not laugh at the joke. Smith approached the stage and slapped Rock across the face with his right hand. Rock responded by telling the shocked audience: 'Will Smith just smacked the s*** out of me.' That same evening, Smith won the Best Actor award for his performance in King Richard as Richard Williams, the father of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams. While Smith's scheduled venue in Brixton has a capacity of 4,300, his rival Rock performed at London's 20,000-seat O2 Arena in September 2022, following gigs at UK venues including London's Royal Albert Hall and the Utilita Arena Birmingham. The venue choices have prompted some surprise online, appearing as a contrast to fellow major US acts such as Taylor Swift opting for the likes of Wembley Stadium. Taking to X/Twitter after the tour was announced, one fan tweeted: 'Love to be in the room when Will Smith's management team are explaining to him how the hell Wolverhampton* ended up on the list of places on his tour.' Another wrote: 'Sorry… Will Smith - THE Will Smith is touring… playing London, Manchester SCARBOROUGH and …… WOLVERHAMPTON CIVIC HALL. How random.' Also posted was: 'Bit artists playing obscure areas will never not be funny because why is Will Smith playing in WOLVERHAMPTON?!?!' Further responses included, 'Just heard Will Smith is playing Scarborough's open air theatre in August. To put it in football terms it's like when Socrates played for Garforth Town', and 'Will Smith coming to Wolverhampton was not on my 2025 bingo card'. Smith is also taking his tour to several European festivals, such as the Moroccan festival Mawazine in Rabat. The Oscar-winning actor announced the news of his concert dates in an Instagram post in March this year, writing: 'I'M GOING ON TOUR THIS SUMMER!! 'We're hitting up UK & Europe to bring U all the hits, some new joints, and a few surprises. All these years, I've NEVER done a headline tour and I can't wait to see you guys!!' Smith gained recognition in American hip-hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince who released Grammy-winning single Parents Just Don't Understand. In the 1990s, he starred in the hit sitcom The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air about a fictionalised version of himself, born and raised in West Philadelphia, sent to live with a wealthy uncle in Los Angeles. His debut solo album, Big Willie Smith, was released in 1997 and included the hit song Men In Black, which accompanied the film of the same name and peaked at number one in the UK singles chart. Across his career, Smith has starred in dozens of films including The Pursuit Of Happyness in 2006, the following year's I Am Legend and Suicide Squad in 2016. In January, he released track Beautiful Scars, featuring rapper Big Sean, as well as a music video where they re-enacted a scene from 1999 science fiction film The Matrix. He has released other singles that will all feature on his new album, including Tantrum with Joyner Lucas, You Can Make It featuring Fridayy and Sunday Service Choir, and Work Of Art, which was a collaboration with rapper Russ, featuring his son Jaden.
