Stephen A. Smith Urges Will Smith to Address Oscar Slap Incident with Black Community Amid ‘Bad Boys’ Box Office Success [Video]

Stephen A. Smith says he is struggling to watch any of Will Smith’s films since his infamous Oscar slap in 2022.

In a recent episode of his show, he asserted that Will should directly address the Black community regarding the incident with Chris Rock.

”In the age of mental illness,” the comedian is not okay.

“Chris Rock is damaged,” Smith stated. “Chris Rock will never get over that. Ever.”

He continued, “Will Smith apologized. I’m not saying he even has to apologize. I’m saying that while I watch him and Martin Lawrence promoting this movie, and I’m quite sure the reason he hasn’t addressed it is because the studios don’t want him to, and there’s an obligation that you have with them. All fair, I get it. But somewhere along the way, he has to sit down and talk to the Black community. You see all the white people around Will Smith all you want to, Black folks have loved and revered this man for decades.”

Smith emphasized that, despite his admiration for Will, he believes Will still has a responsibility to mend his relationship with the Black community.

“You got to have a conversation as to why you did that. It’s primarily us Black people that have loved and supported you and watched you go on an international stage and slap one of us in the face,” he added.

“A lot of folks ain’t get over that. A lot of folks find it hard to just go to the movies to watch you. I’m one of those people, and I never missed a Will Smith movie.”

Stephen A. Smith’s opinion might be subjective, especially considering the success of “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” which surpassed projections by earning $56 million domestically and $104 million globally on its opening weekend.