Will Smith faces ongoing career fallout from 2022 Oscars slap: Report

Will Smith is still dealing with the fallout from his 2022 Oscars slap. Three years later, the incident continues to affect his career and public image. It all began when Chris Rock joked about Jada Pinkett Smith, triggering the now-infamous moment that still haunts the actor.
A report in In Touch reported that Will Smith is coming to terms with the lasting impact of the Oscars slap. While he may never address it publicly again, he continues to face its consequences privately and is making adjustments to his career accordingly.
The report further added that Smith is well aware he can't simply move past the incident, as it still follows him. However, he remains determined to continue his career as a movie star, relying on his strong instincts for selecting scripts, projects, filmmakers, and marketing strategies.
The report further questioned whether Smith could ever fully return to Hollywood after the incident. They noted that securing projects beyond Bad Boys would be challenging and that he would need more than just his signature charisma to get high-budget films approved.
It added that Bad Boys is essentially Smith’s last major franchise, and continuing it won’t be easy, especially as he navigates the challenges of aging in action-packed roles.
The fallout from Smith’s Oscars incident has reportedly pushed him to explore career opportunities beyond the U.S. The actor has been seen in places like Saudi Arabia, not just for leisure but to secure funding for big-budget projects, as he aims to keep his blockbuster streak alive.
The lingering impact of the Oscars slap continues to cast a shadow over Smith’s career, with many in the industry distancing themselves from him. His best bet is to rely on his own instincts and hope audiences stay loyal. While Bad Boys: Ride or Die performed well, his real test will come beyond the franchise.
After the 2022 Oscars slap, Will Smith was banned from the Academy Awards for 10 years. Former Academy leaders David Rubin and Dawn Hudson denounced his actions in an official statement. Smith later responded, stating that he accepted and respected their decision, as reported by OK! Magazine.