Will Smith And Jada Pinkett Smith Close Charity Post-Oscars Slap Backlash- The Will And Jada Smith Family Foundation, a charitable organization established by the Hollywood power couple Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, is reportedly closing its doors due to a significant drop in donations following the infamous Oscars slap incident in 2022.
This incident, where Will Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock on stage during the Academy Awards, has been cited as a contributing factor to the foundation’s decline. The foundation’s tax filings reveal a drastic decrease in donations, from over $2 million in 2021 to less than $400,000 in 2022. Major donors, including CAA and American Airlines, reportedly stopped contributing after the Oscars incident.
Key Facts
- The backlash over Will Smith’s slap of Chris Rock at the Oscars appears to have significantly impacted the foundation’s donations and reputation, leading to its closure.
- The couple’s shift to private giving underscores their commitment to philanthropy and their desire to continue supporting causes that matter to them.
- Despite the closure, the foundation’s legacy, including its support for mental health organizations and its efforts to deepen individual and collective empowerment, will continue through the couple’s private philanthropic efforts.
Despite the backlash, Will Smith’s career appears to have weathered the storm. He is currently involved in several high-profile projects, including the anticipated “I Am Legend” sequel and the fourth installment of the “Bad Boys” franchise, which is set to release this summer. Jada Pinkett Smith, on the other hand, has been focusing on her personal projects, including the release of her memoir and pursuing individual entertainment endeavors. The couple has been reportedly planning to wind down the foundation and instead make private charitable donations.
Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith are shutting down their charitable foundation due, at least partly, to fallout from Will's infamous Oscars slap.
— TMZ (@TMZ) March 27, 2024
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The foundation’s financial situation has also raised eyebrows, with notable financial transactions including $3,000 in bank overdraft fees, over $25,000 donated to organizations that appear to be defunct or unreachable, and no paid staffers as of 2022. This has led to speculation about the foundation’s operational efficiency and the effectiveness of its donations.
In summary, the Will And Jada Smith Family Foundation is closing due to a combination of the Oscars slap incident leading to a significant drop in donations and the couple’s decision to focus on private charitable donations. Despite the controversy, Will Smith’s career remains strong, with multiple projects in the pipeline, while Jada Pinkett Smith continues to pursue her personal and entertainment projects.
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