Will Smith is seeking reinstatement by the Academy two years after being banned from the Oscars for smacking host Chris Rock for making a joke about his wife.
Smith apologized and resigned from the Academy, expressing remorse for his actions. Despite his success with the film “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” he remains banned from Academy events for a decade.
However, there is hope that the ban might be lifted due to his box office success and support from fans. Some, including Chris Rock, are still upset about the incident.
In Touch Weekly reports that its unnamed source said people who want Smith unbanned know the challenges that he faces.
The fans’ voices could be louder than the Academy members who oppose Smith’s return. Smith faces challenges from those who still hold a grudge against him, but the support from his fans may help him get back into the Academy’s good graces.
Slapping Chris Rock has done nothing but boost Will Smith career. https://t.co/j7JvPAbJye
— Jimmy Folino #WhoDey 🐅- BLM, StopAsianHate 🏳️🌈 (@MrNiceGuy513) July 10, 2024
The Academy has banned other actors in the past, such as Richard Gere, Bill Cosby, Roman Polanski, and Harvey Weinstein, for various reasons.
Throwback to when Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars.
– Jada and Will have been separated since 2016, What was the slap for then?pic.twitter.com/mKqJgxBN6b
— tooXclusive (@tooXclusive_com) October 11, 2023
Despite the ban, Smith remains focused on his career with multiple projects in the works, including sequels to “I Am Legend” and “Men in Black” and a new film about 1970s gangster Nicky Barnes.
Smith’s career remains strong, with or without the approval of the Academy.
