plowunited.net – Will Smith has spoken candidly about the emotional aftermath of his infamous Oscars slap, describing the experience as “brutal.” In a recent interview with BBC 1Xtra’s Remi Burgz, the actor admitted that the public nature of his mistake forced him into a period of deep personal reflection. Smith confessed that the fallout made him confront parts of himself he had long ignored.
He explained how the disapproval he received after the 2022 incident marked a turning point in his career. “For the first time, I had to deal with a level of disapproval I’d never experienced,” he said. He also described how his need for validation from others had become an “addiction” he needed to break. Smith acknowledged that addressing this issue was painful but necessary for his growth as a person.
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The Oscars Incident and Its Immediate Consequences
The incident occurred during the 94th Academy Awards in March 2022, when comedian Chris Rock joked about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head—an effect of her alopecia. In response, Smith walked onto the stage and slapped Rock in front of millions of viewers worldwide.
The backlash was immediate. Smith resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and received a 10-year ban from attending the Oscars. He publicly apologized, calling his actions “shocking, painful, and inexcusable.” The slap became one of the most viral and talked-about moments in Oscars history, significantly altering his public image.
Personal Growth and Creative Reawakening After the Fallout
Following the event, Smith said he took time away from the spotlight to focus on internal healing. He described the period as a moment of transformation, where he lifted a metaphorical “manhole cover” to examine unexplored areas of his life.
“Once I opened that space, it got scary,” Smith recalled. “But it also allowed new thoughts and energy to emerge.” He said that this personal work eventually led to a creative rebirth. The actor found himself returning to music after a 20-year hiatus, using it as a therapeutic outlet for the emotional chaos he had endured.
Return to Music and Advice From Rap Legends
Will Smith recently released Based On A True Story, his first album in two decades. He said he reached out to rap icons Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar for advice before starting the project.
“Kendrick told me to say the things I was always scared to say,” Smith noted. “Jay-Z said if I’m not ready to tell the truth, don’t go near the mic.” Although critics gave the album mixed reviews, with Pitchfork calling it “corny” and Rolling Stone labeling it “dated,” Smith sees the project as a form of honest self-expression.
Embracing Imperfection and Redefining His Public Image
Will Smith explained that the album allowed him to explore the “despicable prisoners” within himself—traits and feelings he had long repressed. He said that his journey now focuses on embracing authenticity rather than maintaining a perfect public image.
“This is about allowing my imperfections to speak,” he said. “That honesty creates a higher form of perfection than the old image of Will Smith.” For Smith, this phase of his career and life is about vulnerability, truth, and personal freedom—something he values more now than ever before.
