Will Smith won’t be ‘permanently canceled’ by Hollywood but his brand is ‘forever tarnished,’ experts say
Fox News
Will Smith is "damaged goods" for the time being, according to one brand expert who spoke to Fox News Digital about whether or not Will Smith's Hollywood career is on ice after the "King Richard" star slapped presenter Chris Rock at the Oscars on Sunday.
Will Smith slaps Chris Rock on stage before the comedian presented the best documentary award at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) Will Smith yells at Chris Rock from his seat at the Oscars after slapping the comedian on Sunday, March 27, 2022. (Screenshot/ABC) Will Smith and John Travolta hug as Smith receives his award for best actor for "King Richard" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) Samuel L. Jackson congratulates Will Smith for his best actor Oscar on Sunday, March 27, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) Bradley Cooper comforts Will Smith during the 94th Academy Awards on Sunday, March 27, 2022. (Myung Chun/Los Angeles Times) Denzel Washington walks with Will Smith during the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022. (Myung Chun/Los Angeles Times) "Celebrities are in a unique place when it comes to career and reputation rehabilitation because their massive public profile attracts die-hard supporters who are eager to forgive and forget actions that would destroy a ‘normal’ person’s career or life."
It’s been nearly a full week since the on-camera assault and the conversation surrounding the incident has shifted in many directions as the winds from the sides of Rock, Smith, the Academy and the public continue to swirl in a hurricane-like fashion.
While it remains to be seen what type of disciplinary action, if any, the Academy will bestow upon Smith after it announced on Wednesday it has "initiated disciplinary proceedings" against Smith for violating "the Academy’s Standards of Conduct," many questions still loom whether the "King Richard" performer will be able to lead a productive career.
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