Will Smith has opened up about the "difficult few months" he has faced since he slapped Chris Rock at the Academy Awards in March.
The 54-year-old Men in Black star has faced severe criticism over his new film being released so soon after the infamous incident, with some people insisting they won't be supporting the new movie.
Will plays the lead role in the upcoming Apple TV+ drama Emancipation, which focuses on the story of enslaved 'Whipped Peter' who manages to escape to a Louisiana plantation before making his way to join the Union Army.
The film will be released next month and is Will's first project since the controversy at this year’s Oscars ceremony when he slapped 57-year-old Chris over a joke the comedian made about Jada Pinkett Smith.
Will was subsequently banned from attending the awards ceremony for 10 years and announced his resignation from the Academy.
Speaking about his upcoming film, Will said he hopes other artists involved are not "penalised" for his actions.
"It certainly has been a difficult last few months.
"I would just hope that these spectacular artists who have come together on this project, I would hope that they would not be penalised for a few horrific moments of indiscretion on my part," he said during an appearance on the YouTube channel Jake's Takes.
The Hollywood actor also discussed how some people have said they will struggle to watch the film.
He said: "‘I think the work that [director Antoine Fuqua] has done, and all of the artists involved with this film, I would hope that the importance of the story and the importance of Peter rise above those feelings."
Elsewhere in the interview, Will reflected on the lessons he has learned from the character he plays in the film.
He said it was "interesting" to play the role of Peter and said he has taken away a "spiritual lesson" from the experience.
Emancipation is set to premiere in cinemas on December 2, before becoming available on the streaming service on December 9.
The film is eligible for a nomination for the 95th Academy Awards and Will can still be nominated for a gong, despite being banned from the prestigious event.
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