Box Office Failure of Film Released After Slap Incident
Currently Preparing for Album Release and New Film Production
Hollywood actor Will Smith (56) reportedly lost contracts worth $1 billion (approximately 1.445 trillion KRW) following the assault incident at the 2022 Academy Awards (Oscars).
On the 3rd (local time), The Economic Times (ET) reported, "Smith's career and personal life have not been the same since the fateful moment at the 2022 Academy Awards when he slapped comedian Chris Rock," adding, "What seemed like a brief moment of anger resulted in a $1 billion loss for the superstar."
The outlet cited sources close to Smith, stating, "The impact of this incident extended beyond the Oscar stage," and "He lost the public image he had built over decades."
Previously, at the 2022 Academy Awards, Smith caused controversy by slapping comedian Chris Rock, who made a joke about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith's alopecia.
As a result of this incident, Smith was banned from attending the Academy Awards for 10 years. Afterwards, Smith apologized via social media, saying, "I reacted emotionally because I could not tolerate jokes about my wife's health," and acknowledged it was "an inexcusable act."
The media pointed out that Smith's performance in his activities has been poor since the slap incident. They noted that the film 'Emancipation,' released shortly after the incident, failed at the box office, stating, "It failed both critically and commercially, sinking without a trace." Additionally, Westbrook, the production company run by Smith and his wife, suffered a huge blow after a sale deal fell through, forcing them to lay off a significant number of employees due to financial difficulties.
The outlet also commented on Smith's relationship with his wife Jada Pinkett Smith, saying, "Legally they are married, but emotionally they are not. Smith and Jada's marriage has become an open secret," and described it as "a relationship maintained more for financial and material reasons than emotional connection."
Currently, Smith is aiming for a comeback. He made a brief appearance as a host at the recently held Grammy Awards and is preparing to release a new album for the first time in 20 years. He is also working on a sequel to the movie 'I Am Legend' and a remake of a classic comedy film.
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