Hollywood media reported that some high-profile projects linked to American actor Will Smith were stalled or threatened; After he violently slapped comedian Chris Rock during the last Academy Awards, according to the British newspaper , The Guardian , Sunday 3 April 2022.
These developments represent Smith 's latest blow after the onstage brawl at the 94th Academy Awards that followed Chris Rock's joke about Smith's wife, actress Jada Pinkett Smith, and her hair-loss medical condition.
Variety reports that streaming giant Netflix has slowed work on the upcoming action movie Fast and Loose, which was set to star Will Smith.
Meanwhile, the art magazine added that the search for a new director for the film had been paused. "It remains uncertain whether Netflix will return to Fast and loose development and, if so, whether the streaming platform will look for a new star for the project."
The Hollywood Reporter said Apple TV Plus declined to comment on its Emancipation series starring Smith, which was expected to release this year, and the series has no specific release date associated with it currently.
Film News also noted that Sony has discontinued the Smith-related action movie, Bad Boys 4, which was in "active development" ahead of the Oscars.
Resignation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
Smith had resigned, Friday, April 1, 2022, from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Hollywood, saying that the slap of the presenter on stage was "shocking, painful and unjustified."
"You betrayed the Academy's trust," Smith said in a statement. "I have denied the nominees and other winners their opportunity to celebrate and celebrate their exceptional work. I am saddened. Therefore, I am resigning from its membership and will accept any other consequences the Board deems appropriate."
David Rubin, president of the Academy of Films, said the Academy had accepted Smith 's resignation , but would continue with disciplinary action that could result in additional penalties.
The matter is scheduled to be discussed during the Academy's Board of Directors meeting on April 18.
Will Smith had assaulted, on Sunday evening, Rock during the latter's presentation of the concert, because of a joke he told about the appearance of the wife of the American actor with a shaved head, which angered Smith, who left his seat to slap him in the face, then returned, and began directing obscene phrases against the presenter, demanding him not to mention his wife's name.
However, less than an hour later, Smith gave a speech in which he cried on stage when receiving the award for best actor for his role in the movie "King Richard", in which he embodies the character of the father of the two American tennis players, Serena and Venus Williams.
It is noteworthy that Jayda Smith suffers from "alopecia", a disease that occurs when the body's immune system attacks the hair follicles, causing hair loss.