Latest news with #BasedonaTrueStory
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Will Smith sparks bankruptcy claims after selling multiple properties amid marriage speculation
Will Smith is in trouble again, but not for slapping someone, rather, the actor is reportedly having financial troubles. According to The Blast, the actor is quietly liquidating multiple properties in an effort to ease mounting financial pressures. Insiders say that rising expenses, persistent career setbacks, and speculation over his marriage to Jada Pinkett Smith have begun to take a serious toll on his multi‑million dollar wealth. Ever since the Oscar slapgate controversy, Smith has been facing several issues. Will Smith facing financial woes(Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) Will Smith- Jada Pinkett Smith heading for divorce? Insiders tell the publication that Smith is struggling to manage the costs tied to several high‑value homes, some occupied jointly by his estranged wife. The couple reportedly lives apart now, yet he continues paying the bills on both residences. Sources suggest their financial strain could worsen if they finalize a divorce, especially if they are unable to agree on splitting assets. Earlier this year, Will listed his Woodland Hills property for $2 million and sold a five‑bedroom Maryland mansion for about $795,000. Reports call these moves 'strategic cash grabs' aimed at keeping his finances stable in uncertain times. The timing comes as his income takes a dent, from dwindling box office draws to post‑Oscar fallout and the flop of his comeback album. The slap incident at the Oscars continues to shadow his career, limiting high‑paying offers. Gladly, sources note he is far from broke. But with career earnings cooling and lifestyle costs rising, Smith is entering what might be one of his toughest chapters yet. Failed music career revival His attempt to rekindle his music career with the 2025 album Based on a True Story also stumbled, and reportedly sold only 300 copies in the UK. Collaborations with Big Sean, Teyana Taylor, and son Jaden Smith were not enough to spark a comeback, reinforcing that nostalgia alone does not guarantee chart success. FAQs 1. Why is Will Smith selling his houses? He is reportedly selling multiple properties to cover rising expenses and offset declining income from his recent films and music projects. 2. Did Will Smith's income decline after the Oscars incident? Yes, studios have been cautious about hiring him following the 2022 Oscars controversy, which impacted his career opportunities. 3. How did Will Smith's comeback album perform? The 2025 album Based on a True Story failed to enter the Billboard 200 and sold under 300 copies in the UK, falling short of commercial expectations.
News18
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Will Smith Discovers His Roots In Wales, Jokes Renaming Himself ‘Welsh Smith'
Will Smith's old neighbourhood, Wynnefield, was named after a Welsh doctor named Thomas Wynne. Will Smith has always known how to steal the spotlight—but this time he is doing it by celebrating his surprising connection to Wales. After learning his home state of Pennsylvania has several ties with Welsh culture, the Men in Black star is contemplating changing his name to reflect his roots. During an interview with BBC Radio Wales, Smith came to know his surprising ties with Wales when host Lucy Owens pointed out how Smith's old neighbourhood, Wynnefield, was named after a Welsh doctor named Thomas Wynne. The actor's mother's hometown, Bryn Mawr, also shares its name with a village in Wales. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air alum seemed to be amused by the revelation. 'So I'm Welsh! I'm Welsh, basically. That's what we are saying," Smith replied while breaking out in laughter. 'Yes, Will! This is what I'm trying to say. You are Welsh, and we are claiming you," host Lucy Owens joked. The witty exchange left fans laughing when Will Smith was contemplating changing his name to Welsh Smith. 'That might be my new name," Will joked. 'Welsh Smith. I'm going to be Welsh Smith," he said hilariously. The BBC host later noted that Bryn Mawr, where the actor owns a home, means 'big hill" in Welsh, to which Smith laughed and said, 'Big Will lives in Big Hill. That is crazy." Smith's connection to the UK did not end at the names of his hometown and mother's town in Pennsylvania. The actor and rapper also revealed during the show that he and DJ Jazzy Jeff recorded some of the music for their first album in the UK. Smith has been focusing more on his music career in the past few months. He is currently touring his latest album, Based on a True Story, which dropped nearly two decades after the release of his first studio album, Lost and Found, in 2005. Smith's global tour kicked off in Morocco on June 25, and he is all set to tour five UK cities between August 24 and 30. Smith will also make a stop at Wales' capital, Cardiff, on August 25 before wrapping up the tour in Paris. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
New York Post
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Will Smith references infamous Chris Rock Oscars slap in new freestyle
Will Smith isn't over the slap. The actor, 56, rapped about his infamous altercation with Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars in a freestyle while appearing on DJ Charlie Sloth's 'Fire in the Booth' last week. 'If you talking crazy out your face up on the stage and disrespect me on the stage, expect me on the stage,' Smith sang. Advertisement 7 Will Smith on 'Fire in the Booth.' 7 Will Smith raps about the infamous slap. He continued, 'Jokers dish it out, cry foul when it's time to take it/ City full of real ones, wasn't raised to fake it.' Advertisement Smith also referenced the viral incident in his 'Based on a True Story' album that came out in March. 7 Chris Rock and Will Smith at the 2022 Academy Awards. Getty Images 'Took a lot, I'm back on top, y'all gon' have to get acclimatеd/ Won't stop, my s–t's still hot even though I won't get nominatеd/ Personal life with my wife, mind your business, it's complicated,' he sang in the track 'You Lookin' for Me?' At the 94th Academy Awards, Smith assaulted Rock, 60, on stage after the comedian poked fun at Smith's wife Jada Pinkett Smith, who was sitting in the audience with him. Advertisement 7 Jada Pinkett-Smith, Chris Rock and Will Smith during Nickelodeon's 18th Annual Kids Choice Awards in 2005. FilmMagic ''G.I. Jane II' — can't wait to see it,' Rock told Pinkett Smith, 53, referencing her shaved head, a result of the hair-loss condition alopecia. Smith then stormed the stage and slapped Rock across the face. When he returned to his seat, Smith shouted back: 'Keep my wife's name out of your f–king mouth!' 7 Will Smith slaps Chris Rock at the 94th Academy Awards. REUTERS Advertisement The 'King Richard' star — who won the Oscar for Best Actor that same night — was banned from the Motion Picture Academy for 10 years over his conduct, but was allowed to keep his award. He made a public apology to Rock a few months later. 'There is no part of me that thinks that was the right way to behave in that moment,' he said in a video. 'There's no part of me that thinks that's the optimal way to handle a feeling of disrespect or insults.' 7 Will Smith yells at Chris Rock after the slap. AMPAS POOL via Reuters 'I'm human and I made a mistake and I'm trying not to think of myself as a piece of s–t,' Smith added. Rock, for his part, joked about the incident in his Netflix stand-up show 'Selective Outrage' in March 2023. 7 Chris Rock and Jada Pinkett Smith at the 2012 Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards. FilmMagic 'Everybody knows, yes it happened, I got slapped a year ago — I got smacked by this motherf–ker. And people are like, 'Did it hurt?' It still hurts. I've got 'Summertime' ringing in my ears,' he said at the time, referring to Smith's 1991 hip-hop hit with DJ Jazzy Jeff. Advertisement 'I am not a victim. You will never see me on Oprah [Winfrey] or Gayle [King] crying,' Rock stated. 'Never going to happen … I took that hit like [boxer Manny] Pacquiao. I took it like motherf–king Pacquiao. Did it hurt? Yeah motherf–ker, it hurt.'
Express Tribune
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Will Smith addresses Oscars slap controversy in fiery freestyle on Fire in the Booth
Will Smith (R) hits Chris Rock as Rock spoke on stage during the 94th Academy Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, U.S., March 27, 2022. REUTERS/Brian Snyder Will Smith seems to be revisiting the infamous 2022 Oscars incident involving Chris Rock in a newly released freestyle on Charlie Sloth's 'Fire in the Booth.' The moment adds another layer to Smith's musical comeback, which began with his March 2025 album, Based on a True Story. 'If you talking crazy out your face up on the stage and disrespect me on the stage, expect me on the stage,' Smith raps in the track. 'Jokers dish it out, cry out when it's time to take it, City full of real ones wasn't raised to fake it.' While Smith doesn't mention Rock by name, the reference to public disrespect on stage closely mirrors the Oscars moment that saw him slap the comedian over a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. The 94th Academy Awards in March 2022 made global headlines after Smith walked on stage and struck Rock during his hosting gig, yelling, 'Keep my wife's name out your f**king mouth!' The fallout included Smith's resignation from the Academy and a ten-year ban from attending its events. Smith's return to music started earlier this year with Based on a True Story and continued in June with the release of his single, 'Pretty Girls.' The freestyle marks his most direct lyrical reference yet to the Oscars controversy. While both Smith and Rock have made public comments about the incident in the years since, this verse signals that the event continues to resonate with Smith creatively — and may still be shaping his public narrative.
The Advertiser
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
Will Smith would consider playing Obama on screen
Hollywood star Will Smith as former US president Barack Obama on the big screen? "I definitely would consider playing president Obama, for sure," the 56-year-old said in an interview with dpa in London. However, the multi-talented star first wants to focus on his revived music career after recently releasing a new hip-hop album - Based on a True Story - and embarking soon on a European tour. This was a new departure, as German fans are likely to know him primarily as a film star, Smith admitted. "I look at it almost as I'm a new artist. So I'm introducing myself to the German fans as a musician and, as solely as a musician," said Smith, who, alongside DJ Jazzy Jeff, became the first rapper ever to win a Grammy in 1989. As a solo artist, Smith released a total of five studio albums and topped the charts with songs such as Men in Black, Gettin' Jiggy Wit It, Miami and Wild Wild West. Performances are planned in some 10 European countries, the United Kingdom and Morocco between June and early September. Smith also revealed that he plans to turn his most successful social media post to date, which garnered nearly nine million likes on Instagram, into part of his stage act. In that post, he recreates a well-known dance scene from the hit series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air with his former co-star Tatyana Ali (Ashley). Both dance to the recent hit song Anxiety by US Grammy award-winning rap artist Doechii, who also appears in the video and joins in the dancing. "There will definitely be in an Anxiety moment on stage," Smith said. d Hollywood star Will Smith as former US president Barack Obama on the big screen? "I definitely would consider playing president Obama, for sure," the 56-year-old said in an interview with dpa in London. However, the multi-talented star first wants to focus on his revived music career after recently releasing a new hip-hop album - Based on a True Story - and embarking soon on a European tour. This was a new departure, as German fans are likely to know him primarily as a film star, Smith admitted. "I look at it almost as I'm a new artist. So I'm introducing myself to the German fans as a musician and, as solely as a musician," said Smith, who, alongside DJ Jazzy Jeff, became the first rapper ever to win a Grammy in 1989. As a solo artist, Smith released a total of five studio albums and topped the charts with songs such as Men in Black, Gettin' Jiggy Wit It, Miami and Wild Wild West. Performances are planned in some 10 European countries, the United Kingdom and Morocco between June and early September. Smith also revealed that he plans to turn his most successful social media post to date, which garnered nearly nine million likes on Instagram, into part of his stage act. In that post, he recreates a well-known dance scene from the hit series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air with his former co-star Tatyana Ali (Ashley). Both dance to the recent hit song Anxiety by US Grammy award-winning rap artist Doechii, who also appears in the video and joins in the dancing. "There will definitely be in an Anxiety moment on stage," Smith said. d Hollywood star Will Smith as former US president Barack Obama on the big screen? "I definitely would consider playing president Obama, for sure," the 56-year-old said in an interview with dpa in London. However, the multi-talented star first wants to focus on his revived music career after recently releasing a new hip-hop album - Based on a True Story - and embarking soon on a European tour. This was a new departure, as German fans are likely to know him primarily as a film star, Smith admitted. "I look at it almost as I'm a new artist. So I'm introducing myself to the German fans as a musician and, as solely as a musician," said Smith, who, alongside DJ Jazzy Jeff, became the first rapper ever to win a Grammy in 1989. As a solo artist, Smith released a total of five studio albums and topped the charts with songs such as Men in Black, Gettin' Jiggy Wit It, Miami and Wild Wild West. Performances are planned in some 10 European countries, the United Kingdom and Morocco between June and early September. Smith also revealed that he plans to turn his most successful social media post to date, which garnered nearly nine million likes on Instagram, into part of his stage act. In that post, he recreates a well-known dance scene from the hit series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air with his former co-star Tatyana Ali (Ashley). Both dance to the recent hit song Anxiety by US Grammy award-winning rap artist Doechii, who also appears in the video and joins in the dancing. "There will definitely be in an Anxiety moment on stage," Smith said. d Hollywood star Will Smith as former US president Barack Obama on the big screen? "I definitely would consider playing president Obama, for sure," the 56-year-old said in an interview with dpa in London. However, the multi-talented star first wants to focus on his revived music career after recently releasing a new hip-hop album - Based on a True Story - and embarking soon on a European tour. This was a new departure, as German fans are likely to know him primarily as a film star, Smith admitted. "I look at it almost as I'm a new artist. So I'm introducing myself to the German fans as a musician and, as solely as a musician," said Smith, who, alongside DJ Jazzy Jeff, became the first rapper ever to win a Grammy in 1989. As a solo artist, Smith released a total of five studio albums and topped the charts with songs such as Men in Black, Gettin' Jiggy Wit It, Miami and Wild Wild West. Performances are planned in some 10 European countries, the United Kingdom and Morocco between June and early September. Smith also revealed that he plans to turn his most successful social media post to date, which garnered nearly nine million likes on Instagram, into part of his stage act. In that post, he recreates a well-known dance scene from the hit series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air with his former co-star Tatyana Ali (Ashley). Both dance to the recent hit song Anxiety by US Grammy award-winning rap artist Doechii, who also appears in the video and joins in the dancing. "There will definitely be in an Anxiety moment on stage," Smith said. d
