Will Smith’s ‘Bad Boys 4’ Faces Backlash from Chris Rock Over Slapping Scene

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Two weeks ago, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” opened at No. 1 at the box office, signaling that fans had seemingly forgiven Will Smith for his infamous slap of Chris Rock at the Academy Awards in 2022. However, the film’s inclusion of a slapping scene reminiscent of the Oscars incident has reignited tensions between the two stars, with Chris Rock expressing his discontent.

In Touch reports that Chris Rock is unhappy with the slapping scene in “Bad Boys 4,” viewing it as a tasteless attempt by Will Smith to address the incident humorously. According to a source, Rock finds the scene to be a “cheap stunt” and is unimpressed by Smith’s efforts to turn the lowest point of his career into a joke. “Chris thinks it’s a pretty cheap stunt and he’s telling people how lame he finds it,” the source revealed. “It’s a classic case of Will making light of a horrific situation. Will’s playing the victim. It was the lowest point of his career, but that’s no excuse.”

Will Smith has publicly claimed to be a changed man since the Oscars incident and has seemingly referenced the slap in his latest movie. The directors of “Bad Boys 4” have acknowledged the parallels between the film’s slapping scene and the real-life event, describing it as a “meta experience.” They explained, “I think, you know, if you watch the movie, you see that there are some parallels between what’s happening in the movie and real life. You know, there’s – it’s almost like a meta experience that Will, in the character of Mike Lowrey, goes through with some themes.”

Despite attempts to move forward, Rock remains frustrated by the continued attention the incident receives. He has maintained a low profile since the Oscars but finds Smith’s attempt to turn the event into a comedic moment aggravating. “It aggravates him that people keep bringing it up,” the source stated. “He suffered as much as Will has and now Will has turned it into a funny scene in his movie. As far as Chris is concerned, it’s more proof that Will’s a total piece of work who deserves all the crap he’s gotten.”

Rock is reportedly not inclined to let the matter rest and might seek retribution in the future. “Chris isn’t going to let it go. If there’s a way to get back at Will down the line, he’ll take it,” the source added.

The controversy surrounding the slapping scene in “Bad Boys 4” highlights the ongoing tension between Will Smith and Chris Rock. While Smith’s fans appear to have moved on, the incident remains a sore point for Rock. As the film continues to perform well at the box office, it remains to be seen how this latest development will impact the relationship between the two stars and their respective careers.

In the end, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” not only brings action and entertainment to the big screen but also serves as a reminder of the real-life drama that continues to unfold between two of Hollywood’s most prominent figures.

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[WATCH] Ice Cube Talks “Working” On Another ‘Friday’ Movie on SiriusXM’s Flavor of the Week

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Ice Cube recently appeared on SiriusXM’s Flavor of the Week hosted by Flavor Flav. During the interview, Ice Cube shared that he is working on another Friday movie and revealed his favorite record he made.

When the Public Enemy hypeman asked Cube about the new Friday flick, the movie producer/director said, “Yep. We finally got, we finally, you know, got some traction with Warner Brothers. They have new leadership. My man, Mike DeLuca, who used to be at New Line when I first started, when I first did the first “Friday” and “Players Club” and “All About the Benjamins.” You know, Mike DeLuca was there, so now he’s running Warner Brothers and he’s like, you know, him and my man Michael Gruber. It was like, “Yo, what the fuck is going on with Friday? Man, let’s get this back online,” and, you know, I was a little hot ’cause they had took so long because, you know, John Witherspoon passed away. Tiny passed away. A.J. Johnson passed away, so I’m like, “Man, we keep losing people and y’all keep dicking around not doing the movie the way it need to be done.” They want to do it, but the key is it gotta be done, Flav or we shouldn’t fuck with it, you know?”

SiriusXM’s Flavor of the Week hosted by Flavor Flav airs Mondays on LL COOL J’s Rock The Bells Radio

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Chris Rock Decries Will Smith’s ‘Slap’ in ‘Bad Boys 4’ Is a ‘Cheap Stunt’

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Will Smith says he’s changed after the infamous Oscars ‘slap’ in 2022. But his latest movie, “Bad Boys 4: Ride or Die”, which is a box office hit, just reignited tensions with Chris Rock, who was on the receiving end of the ‘slap’. 

SPOILER ALERT: 

The film references the slap, in a not so subtle way, which has not gone over well with Chris and rightfully so, depending on how you read the on-screen portrayal. 

“Chris thinks it’s a pretty cheap stunt and he’s telling people how lame he finds it,” a source told “In Touch.” 

“It’s a classic case of Will making light of a horrific situation. Will’s playing the victim. It was the lowest point of his career, but that’s no excuse.”

So it’s fair to say Chris, has maintained a “low profile” since the incident but finds Will’s “attention-seeking” behavior nauseating, according to the source. “It aggravates him that people keep bringing it up. He suffered as much as Will has, and now Will has turned it into a funny scene in his movie. As far as Chris is concerned, it’s more proof that Will’s a total piece of work who deserves all the crap he’s gotten. Chris isn’t going to let it go. If there’s a way to get back at Will down the line, he’ll take it.”

ICYMI, the slap occurred while Chris, 59, was presenting the Best Documentary Feature award at the 2022 Oscars. Will, 55, reacted violently to a joke Chris made about Jada Pinkett-Smith’s shaved head, a result of her alopecia. After Chris said, “Jada, I love you. G.I. Jane 2, can’t wait to see it,” Will approached the stage, slapped Chris, and shouted, “Keep my wife’s name out your f–king mouth.” Yes, that happened. Most people are over it and have moved on but the Will Smith movie just injected some jet fuel into the controversy. 

Get this, as we mentioned, in “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” released on June 7, there’s a scene that depicts Will’s character having a panic attack. Then Martin Lawrence’s character slaps him repeatedly. Right smack in his face at close range. Insert chuckle. Listen, it was a funny moment on-screen. Not the panic attack but the slapping parade! The film’s directors acknowledged the parallels, stating, “If you watch the movie, you see that there are some parallels between what’s happening in the movie and real life. It’s almost like a meta experience that Will, in the character of Mike Lowrey, goes through with some themes.”

Still chuckling. Sorry, it’s just funny. The whole art imitating life thing.

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Jonathan Majors Thanks Meagan Good, Calls Her “My Queen” While Accepting Hollywood Unlocked’s Perseverance Award

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Jonathan Majors accepted his first award since his conviction for assault and harassment in December, receiving the Perseverance Award at the 4th Impact Awards in Los Angeles. Surrounded by supporters, the Creed III actor reflected on his arrest and verdict, thanking God and Hollywood Unlocked founder Jason Lee.

“I reckon folks wanna know about this last year,” Majors said. “As a Black man in the criminal justice system, I felt anger, sadness, hurt, surprise. When they snatched me up out of my apartment in handcuffs, I didn’t feel like all that. I didn’t feel like Jonathan Majors, Mr. Creed, Mr. Kang. I felt like a little scared, weak boy.”

He continued, “Despite the support and evidence in my favor, I knew shit was bad. And it was bad because of who I was and what I am. And this is what happens to Black people all too often. Guilt and innocence often have little to do with the outcome. That’s the harsh reality I learned. But I know Black men face this every day. It deeply impacts us and changes the way we navigate through the world.”

Breaking down in tears, Majors received the award from Iyanla Vanzant, who greeted him with a kiss on the forehead and a hug. He acknowledged his imperfections and expressed gratitude for his craft, family, and friends.

“There will be moments in your life when things get dark, and I mean really dark. I’ve seen those depths, that darkness in myself. I’ve sat in that pitch black, and what I’ve learned is that when you catch a glimpse of light, you run as hard and as fast as you can towards it. And I will never take that light for granted again.”

Majors thanked those who supported him, including Will Smith, Tyler Perry, David Oyelowo, Deon and Roxanne Taylor, Courtney B. Vance, and Whoopi Goldberg. He highlighted Goldberg’s wisdom and understanding, emphasizing the importance of community support.

He also thanked “all the women in my family,” and burst into tears while thanking Meagan Good. “I love you beyond all limit, with all my strength, with all my heart, I love you,” he said. “I don’t need to be so tough and strong when you carried me so many nights. I love you.”

Majors ended his speech by singing Chaka Khan’s “Through the Fire” and addressing his daughter Ella. “And just to Ella, my baby girl, we gonna be alright. And your father loves you. I love you and I thank you for this.”

After being found guilty on two misdemeanor counts of reckless assault and harassment in his domestic violence case with ex Grace Jabbari, Majors was sentenced to probation and to participate in a one-year domestic violence treatment program. Despite being fired from several projects and dropped by his talent management company, Majors has booked his first role since the trial in Martin Villeneuve’s Merciless.

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Jonathan Majors Lands First Film Role Post Conviction Starring in Supernatural Thriller ‘Merciless’ 

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Jonathan Majors has secured his first film role following his conviction for third-degree assault and harassment. He will star in the supernatural thriller *Merciless*, directed by Martin Villeneuve, brother of Denis Villeneuve. 

The story follows a CIA agent named John, played by Majors, who battles a mysterious evil to save his love. Screenwriter Frank Hannah is penning the script, with filming set to begin in Saskatchewan this fall.

Director, Martin Villeneuve commented on the film, stating it “intertwines themes of possession, revenge, and personal justice within a haunting narrative” and explores “the psychological descent of John, played by Majors, and the supernatural forces challenging his sanity.”

Despite his recent conviction, the former Marvel Cinematic Universe star continues to find opportunities in Hollywood. He is set to receive the Perseverance Award at the Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards on June 21. The award, according to Hollywood Unlocked CEO Jason Lee, honors those who “continue to inspire” despite adversity.

Get this, producer Christopher Tuffin, part of the team behind *Merciless*, is launching a new “global media venture” aiming to make an impact at the Toronto Film Festival. Tuffin emphasizes not letting “the court of public opinion and selective prosecution undermine great art and artists.” He expressed his honor in working with Majors, highlighting his talent and the importance of due process.

“In graduate school, I had the good fortune to study screenwriting under Blacklist scribe Millard Lampell and learned from him the dangers of letting politics undermine due process and deprive artists of their careers,” Tuffin said.

Well, on that note, let’s see how ‘Merciless’ fairs when it’s all said and done.

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WATCH: New Trailer for ‘Breakin’ On the One’ Hulu Documentary Based on Breakdancing’s Origins 

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The first trailer for the upcoming documentary, “Breakin’ on the One,” set to debut on Hulu on June 24. Directed by JamsBash, the film chronicles the origins of breakdancing and its cultural impact. I mean, it’s breakdancing. This has to hit the mark right?

Here’s the official description from Disney/ESPN’s Andscape:

On August 15th, 1981 when a large, excited crowd gathered at the plaza of Lincoln Center in Manhattan for the Out-of-Doors Festival. The highlight of the event was a breaking battle between the Rocksteady Crew and the Dynamic Rockers. What unfolded would prove to be a seminal moment in American culture, a showdown that has reverberated for decades across hip hop, dance, race, and politics. Utilizing a trove of archival material from the 1980s and interviews with those who were there, this is the chronicle of how breaking transformed itself from a niche urban activity to an Olympic sport performed worldwide. It’s the tale of how a handful of innovators from often neglected corners of a struggling city helped create a cornerstone event for a movement, one that grew from its devastated borough origins to influence the highest ranks of sports and entertainment. Spanning much of the half-century since hip hop emerged in New York and became a cultural phenomenon, this is the story of how the breaking battle of 1981 helped create the world as we know it today.

Jason Aidoo, VP and head of Andscape, expressed his excitement about the documentary’s release, stating, “Ahead of its Olympic debut this summer, we are thrilled to bring the story of break dancing to our audiences. This documentary is a testament to the impact breakin’, The Rocksteady Crew and Dynamic Rockers have had on our culture.”

Director JamsBash added, “We are incredibly stoked to help tell the story of these amazing dancers. Kids from Black and brown communities in New York created a unique art form that’s now an Olympic Sport. We love that a small part of that origin is now being celebrated on film.”

Marsha Cooke, Vice President of ESPN Films, remarked, “Breakin’ On the One is a celebration of the community that revolutionized dance, and brought people from across the world together. We are thrilled for this story to finally be recognized, and to bring it to audiences across the globe.”

The film’s executive producers are Jason Aidoo, Dwayne Bray, Heather Anderson, Marsha Cooke, Brian Lockhart, and Burke Magnus. It is produced by Marquis Daisy, Gus Navarro, and Catherine Sankey, with Ashley Bembry-Kaintuck serving as co-producer.

Should be interesting. It’s a doc about a cultural staple that is embedded in Hip Hop. Feels like a must watch in our opinion. Check out the trailer below:

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WATCH: Brandy in New Trailer for A24’s Horror Film The Front Room

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A24 has released the first trailer for “The Front Room,” marking Brandy’s return to the horror genre. The film, written and directed by Max and Sam Eggers, also features Andrew Burnap, Neal Huff, and Kathryn Hunter. 

Described by the studio as a “legendary face-off” between Brandy and Hunter, who portrays “the wickedest mother-in-law of them all,” the film is set to hit theaters on September 6.

The logline reads: 

“Everything goes to hell for newly-pregnant Belinda (Brandy) after her mother-in-law (Hunter) moves in. As the diabolical guest tries to get her claws on the child, Belinda must draw the line somewhere…”

Get this, ”The Front Room” represents the latest collaboration between the Eggers brothers and A24, following their brother Robert Eggers’ film “The Lighthouse,” which starred Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe in 2019. Max co-wrote “The Lighthouse” with Robert.

Brandy’s return to horror is notable, as she previously starred in the iconic horror film “I Know What You Did Last Summer.” Most recently, she appeared in Netflix’s holiday movie “Best. Christmas. Ever.” and the ABC series “Queens.”

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Formula One Movie Starring Snowfall’s Damson Idris and Brad Pitt Announces Release Date

Damson Idris Is Set To Produce Snowfall Season 5

Damson Idris and Brad Pitt’s Formula One film on Apple now has a global theatrical release date with Warner Bros. The film, directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, will hit IMAX screens in North America on June 27, 2025. This is interesting as Apple, one of the biggest streamers is yet again teaming up with a big theatrical studio on the release strategy. We can probably expect the film to move over to Apple at some point thereafter. 

ICYMI, Brad Pitt stars as a former driver making a comeback to Formula 1, while “Snowfall” star, Damson Idris, plays his teammate at the fictional team APXGP. The cast also includes Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem, Tobias Menzies, Sarah Niles, Kim Bodnia, and Samson Kay. 

The film’s production team includes Kosinski, Bruckheimer, and Chad Oman from Jerry Bruckheimer Films, along with Pitt, Dede Gardner, and Jeremy Kleiner for Plan B Entertainment. Renowned racing driver Lewis Hamilton is also a producer through his company, Dawn Apollo Films.

The Hollywood Reporter reports that the film’s deal with Apple guarantees a significant theatrical release window of at least 30 days. Apple has previously partnered with Paramount and Sony for theatrical releases of “Killers of the Flower Moon” and “Napoleon,” respectively. Let’s see how this does with big stars Idris and Pitt leading the charge.

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[WATCH] Kel Mitchell Opens Up About Toxic Experience with Dan Schneider on Nickelodeon Set

Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell Speak on Strained Friendship Ahead of 'Good Burger 2' Launch

Three months ago, the documentary “Quiet on Set” exposed the toxic, surprisingly non-kid-friendly environment at Nickelodeon, largely fostered by producer Dan Schneider. The revelations have been a shock to many, including fans of the network’s beloved shows. Among the former child stars who have come forward with their own stories is Kel Mitchell, known for his roles on hit Nickelodeon series such as “Kenan & Kel” and “All That.”

In a candid interview with KeKe Palmer, Kel Mitchell recounted a disturbing incident involving Schneider that left a lasting impact on him.

“I remember me and Dan had a big argument on set. He was like, ‘Let’s go over here to this room right here, in this closet.’ He closed the door and he just took off, you know, just yelling all this wild stuff,” Kel shared with KeKe. The confrontation was intense, forcing Kel to make a critical decision. “I had a decision to make, you know what I mean? I was just like, okay, either we [are] going to fight or either I’m going to leave. And so that’s what I did. I left the situation.”

Kel’s account adds to the growing number of stories highlighting Schneider’s inappropriate and often hostile behavior towards young actors on the set. The documentary has brought to light numerous instances of Schneider’s toxic conduct, which many former Nickelodeon stars have corroborated, emphasizing a troubling pattern within the network during his tenure.

The revelations have sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of young actors in the entertainment industry and the long-term effects of working in such environments. For Kel Mitchell, speaking out is not just about sharing his own experience but also about supporting others who may have faced similar situations.

“I think it’s important for people to know what really happened behind the scenes,” Kel said. “We were just kids, and we deserved to be treated with respect and care, not subjected to yelling and intimidation.”

As Nickelodeon faces increasing scrutiny, there are calls for the network to address these issues and ensure a safer, more supportive environment for its young talent. The impact of “Quiet on Set” and the brave testimonies are crucial steps toward accountabiity and change within the industry.

Watch at the 29:55 point.

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Stephen A. Smith Thinks Will Smith Owes Black People a Conversation Over the Oscars Slap

Stephen A. Smith Thinks Will Smith Owes Black People a Conversation Over the Oscars Slap

Stephen A. Smith is still hanging on to the Oscars slap. Appearing on his podcast ahead of the launch of Bad Boys: Ride or Die, he asked, “Are we embracing Will Smith again?”

Stephen A. wants Will to have a discussion with the Black community about his decision to slap Chris Rock.

“You got to have a conversation as to why you did that,” Stephen A. Smith said. “It’s primarily us as Black people who have loved and supported you and watched you go on an international stage and slap one of us in the face.”

Do you agree with Stephen A.’s sentiment? You can hear it from him below.

Despite Stephen A.’s opinion, Will Smith and Martin Lawrence have once again captivated audiences with their latest film, Bad Boys 4: Ride or Die.

The newest installment of the beloved franchise achieved a domestic box office haul of $56 million over the weekend. The film’s success extended beyond the US, bringing in nearly $50 million globally, making it the first blockbuster hit of the summer season with a total opening weekend revenue of $104.6 million.

The dynamic duo’s on-screen chemistry and action-packed performances have resonated with fans, drawing large crowds to theaters. “Bad Boys 4: Ride or Die” continues the thrilling saga of Miami detectives Mike Lowrey (Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Lawrence), delivering the high-octane action and humor that audiences have come to expect from the series.

The film’s impressive box office performance solidifies its status as a major summer blockbuster, setting a high bar for upcoming releases. As the first big hit of the season, “Bad Boys 4” has generated significant buzz and excitement among moviegoers, promising a strong continued showing in theaters worldwide.

With its successful opening weekend, “Bad Boys 4: Ride or Die” reaffirms the franchise’s enduring appeal and the star power of Smith and Lawrence, marking the iconic duo’s triumphant return to the big screen.

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