Will Smith breaks silence on Oscar slap through new music
Alona Yadav | Mar 29, 2025, 01:17 IST
( Image credit : ANI )
Will Smith addresses the 2022 Oscars incident in his new album 'Based on a True Story,' marking his first musical release in 20 years. The album delves into the aftermath of his altercation with Chris Rock, featuring collaborations and personal reflections.
Nearly three years after the infamous Oscars incident that shocked the entertainment world, Will Smith is addressing the controversy head-on with his first album in two decades, "Based on a True Story."
The actor-turned-musician doesn't shy away from the 2022 moment that temporarily derailed his career. In his new album, Smith directly references the incident where he slapped comedian Chris Rock during the Academy Awards ceremony after Rock made a joke about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
Released this month, the album features tracks that candidly explore the aftermath of the controversial moment. Smith collaborates with longtime musical partner DJ Jazzy Jeff and social media personality B. Simone, bringing a mix of personal reflection and artistic expression to his comeback project.
The same year of the Oscar slap, Smith won Best Actor for his role in "King Richard," a professional high point overshadowed by his onstage altercation. The incident resulted in a decade-long ban from the Academy Awards, a significant professional consequence for the celebrated actor.
Prior to the album's release, Smith had publicly apologized to Rock and released a video expressing deep remorse for his actions. Rock subsequently addressed the attack in a 2023 stand-up comedy special, adding another chapter to the public narrative.
Through his music, Smith appears to be processing the incident, acknowledging the professional and personal fallout while asserting his continued relevance in the entertainment industry. The album represents more than just a musical comeback—it's a form of public introspection and potential redemption.
As fans and critics alike listen to Smith's latest work, the album stands as a unique document of a pivotal moment in contemporary pop culture, blending personal narrative with artistic expression.
The actor-turned-musician doesn't shy away from the 2022 moment that temporarily derailed his career. In his new album, Smith directly references the incident where he slapped comedian Chris Rock during the Academy Awards ceremony after Rock made a joke about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
Released this month, the album features tracks that candidly explore the aftermath of the controversial moment. Smith collaborates with longtime musical partner DJ Jazzy Jeff and social media personality B. Simone, bringing a mix of personal reflection and artistic expression to his comeback project.
The same year of the Oscar slap, Smith won Best Actor for his role in "King Richard," a professional high point overshadowed by his onstage altercation. The incident resulted in a decade-long ban from the Academy Awards, a significant professional consequence for the celebrated actor.
Prior to the album's release, Smith had publicly apologized to Rock and released a video expressing deep remorse for his actions. Rock subsequently addressed the attack in a 2023 stand-up comedy special, adding another chapter to the public narrative.
Through his music, Smith appears to be processing the incident, acknowledging the professional and personal fallout while asserting his continued relevance in the entertainment industry. The album represents more than just a musical comeback—it's a form of public introspection and potential redemption.
As fans and critics alike listen to Smith's latest work, the album stands as a unique document of a pivotal moment in contemporary pop culture, blending personal narrative with artistic expression.