Will Smith could be banned from starring in Bad Boys after his slap of Chris Rock at the Oscars last weekend, according to reports. Work on the fourth instalment of the film franchise has been paused by Sony in light of the incident.
Mail Online reports that the film would have seen Smith working again with co-star Martin Lawrence as a drugs agent. It's also said that Netflix has slowed down production of planned action film Fast and Loose, starring Smith, aged 53.
Reports suggest that studios will assess the impact the incident has had on Smith's reputation after the slap. Last Sunday night's (March 27) 94th Oscars ceremony was thrown into chaos when Smith went onstage and slapped comedian Rock in front of a star-studded audience.
Read more: Unseen footage of Will Smith's Oscars slap shows Jada Pinkett Smith’s reaction
It came after Rock made a joke about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, and her hair loss. Referring to Pinkett Smith’s buzzcut, Rock said: “Jada, can’t wait for GI Jane 2,” prompting the actress to roll her eyes. However, Smith walked up on stage and slapped Rock before returning to his seat and shouting twice: “Keep my wife’s name out of your ******* mouth.”
The altercation left Rock shocked and flustered as he tried to resume presenting the best documentary feature category. During his acceptance speech after winning Best Actor at the Oscars, Will apologised to his fellow nominees and the Academy as he took to the stage just minutes after assaulting Chris.
He later issued another grovelling apology, this time directed toward the comedian, as he regretted his violent outburst. Smith has also resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, saying he had "betrayed" its trust.
Men in Black actor Smith is also due to appear in Apple TV's upcoming £90m slavery drama Emancipation. But Mail Online reports there's been no suggestion this will be delayed.
