Will Smith reflects on transformation after infamous Oscars slap

IN A CANDID conversation on BBC’s 1Xtra with host Remi Burgz, Will Smith opened up about the profound transformation he has undergone since the infamous incident at the 2022 Oscars, where he slapped comedian Chris Rock.

- ALYSSIA BIRJALAL

Smith described the introspective journey as “brutal but beautiful” or “brutiful’, ultimately leading to a new era of creativity and self-awareness.

Reflecting on the shocking moment, which was televised worldwide, the actor acknowledged that it forced him to take a “big, strong, honest look at myself”.

In the aftermath of the incident, which occurred after Rock made a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith's hair loss, Smith decided to take a step back and engage in deep self-reflection.

“After the Oscars I shut it down for a minute and really went into the internal work,” he said.