In Touch Weekly sources have gathered that Will Smith was begging Oscars executives to reinstate him into the Academy Awards again after his 10-year ban for slapping Chris Rock.
"Will's defenders are always reminding people that, with respect to 'The Slap,' Will apologized in no uncertain terms, but more importantly, Will is selling tickets and putting butts in seats at a time when the whole business is struggling," the source told the outlet.
Smith's insistence on being reinstated back in the Academy came after his recent movie, Bad Boys 4, became a global box-office hit.
"That counts for a lot - just ask Will's old pal Tom Cruise. Nobody was bringing up Scientology when Tom was filling cinemas week after week two years ago with Top Gun: Maverick. Will is a sinner, but sinners can be forgiven and he's driving a lot of business right now, against all odds," the insider close to the actor-singer argued.
According to the source, there are still people within the Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences, the official governing body of the Academy Awards, who think Smith should have been arrested for slapping Chris Rock on national television.
"The big change this summer is that the fans have spoken, and they want Will to keep being a movie star. That's huge and Will is using that as his rocket fuel to get back into the good graces of the Academy, which has more Black members than ever before," the source explained.
READ MORE : Will and Jada Pinkett Smith's Professional Bond Stands Strong Despite Personal Separation
Smith has gained significant praise recently, not only for his movie but also for his musical comeback at the 2024 BET Awards. He performed his newest Gospel hit, "You Can Make It," at Culture's Biggest Night.
According to Billboard, the song ranked No. 3 on the Hot Gospel Songs chart and No. 23 on the Hot Christian Songs chart.
"I was really talking to myself," Smith told Billboard of the song that co-wrote. "To see so many people resonate with the intention gives me a clear North Star for this next chapter of my creative life."
The Grammy-winning singer-actor also revealed that he's working on a new album that will be released soon. Fans were thrilled with Smith's musical comeback, and he received praise on social media for his recent BET Awards performance.
"What an incredible performance & an even more incredible message by Will Smith. "You're not being punished, you're being forged. Dance in your darkest moments."," a user commented on YouTube.
"This was the best performance with the most meaningful message hands down," another wrote.
Watch his performance below.
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