Will Smith Opens Up About ‘Adversities’ of the Last Few Years, Says He’s Been ‘Deeply Humbled’
Will Smith has been candid about facing “adversities” over the last few years, reflecting on challenges that have significantly impacted his personal and professional life. His recent comments at the Red Sea International Film Festival allude to the infamous 2022 Oscars incident where he slapped Chris Rock. Over two years later, Smith is taking even more accountability as he rebuilds his public image.
Will Smith elaborates on life since the Oscars slap
After Smith’s shocking Oscars altercation on March 27, 2022, the Men in Black star laid low and then began quietly showing his face at media events. Smith expressed regret over the incident as he promoted projects like Emancipation and Bad Boys 4 post-slap. But many fans want to see and hear more from the 56-year-old. On December 4, 2024, Smith sat down for an intimate conversation with Samira Turkestani at the Red Sea International Film Festival.
At first, Smith touched lightly on the drama he’s experienced since 2022. As he explained, via BRICS Global Television Network, he wanted to be a scientist when he was younger. The Fresh Prince of Bel Air star continued, “I love figuring things out. I love puzzles; I love problems. So I started making my own problems.” He laughed heartily with the large room of journalists before continuing.
“You’re going to make mistakes,” Smith shared. “I’ve made tons of my own mistakes. We all make mistakes.” The father of two seemed relaxed and comfortable as he continued, “Fame is a unique monster … I had to be really careful. You can’t get excited when everybody is saying good things about you because the more you take when people are saying good things about you, the more hurt you’re going to be when people are saying bad things about you.”
Then, Smith addressed his “adversities of the last couple years.” He slowly explained, “I have to be clear about who I am and what I am attempting to do in the world … I am here because, in my deepest heart, I want you to feel good. And at the same time, I am deeply human and my virtue is not yet perfected. And I am in the process of perfecting my virtue. So, I would say the greatest thing that has happened is I have been deeply humbled and deeply inspired to perfect my light. And that’s what this next phase of my life is going to be; perfecting and shining my light as brightly as I can on as many people as I can.”
Will Smith looks happier and healthier
The King Richard actor certainly shined bright one day later at the Opening Ceremony of the Red Sea International Film Festival. He is looking happy and healthy as he rehabs his image and pursues further creative projects, including an I Am Legend sequel costarring Michael B. Jordan. Smith donned a navy suit and patterned Valentino Garavani silk shirt with gold buttons. He wore blue wire-rimmed sunglasses and a gold wallet chain adorned with charms.
Smith is turning a new leaf musically, too. Before he walked the red carpet in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, he took to his Instagram Stories to share news about his latest single. The Big Willie Style rapper shared, “I just found out that my new song, ‘You Can Make It’ is No. 7 on the gospel charts, and I just wanna say thank you, thank you, thank you. I am in a really unique artistic renaissance period in my life, and I feel like a brand new artist trying to find my new voice and trying to express the things that are churning inside of me. And the fact that you’re responding positively, it’s encouraging. I’m excited and I look forward to making some more joyful stuff.”
