Tom Cruise is reportedly still keeping his distance from Will Smith, nearly nine months after the latter's Oscars slap controversy with Chris Rock. Cruise doesn't want to risk his reputation by association, a report claims.
Tom Cruise Ignored Will Smith's Effort To Reconnect After Oscars Slap Controversy?
Earlier this year, Smith was in hot water when he slapped Rock onstage after joking about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith's bald hair. While most have already moved on from the issue, Cruise is reportedly still keeping his distance from the Oscar winner despite the latter's invitations.
"Will has approached Tom several times, trying to reconnect and see if they can hang out and brainstorm on some projects together," an anonymous source told Radar Online.
"A solid movie with Tom would guarantee Will's comeback, or so he thinks. Will has even offered to fly to London if that's more convenient, but Tom isn't biting and doesn't even write him back."
The Top Gun: Maverick star reportedly sympathized with Smith, 54. However, it wasn't enough for him to "be stupid enough to put his neck on the line and be dragged down by association," the source added.
The insider clarified that Smith wasn't the only person Cruise has been avoiding in Hollywood. Apparently, the Mission Impossible star is very cautious in terms of his connections.
"Tom is still very wary of any Hollywood friendships. He likes his reclusive lifestyle in the United Kingdom," the insider added.
"He doesn't want to get sucked back into the Hollywood scene — especially by way of Will Smith. He's still kryptonite."
What Happened During Oscars That Allegedly Prompted Tom Cruise To Avoid Will Smith?
Chris Rock was onstage and was about to present an award when he noticed Jada's bald head. The comedian joked about Jada possibly starring in the G.I. Jane sequel.
The crowd laughed, including Smith. However, many were shocked when he suddenly approached Rock onstage and slapped him.
"Wow, Will Smith just smacked the s--t out of me," Rock said, looking stunned after the incident.
"Keep my wife's name out your f--king mouth," Smith said while returning to his seat.
Smith won an Oscar that night, but many were appalled that he was allowed to stay after his violent behavior. Smith issued an apology to Rock on Instagram a day after the event.
"I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong," Smith wrote. "I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness."
"I would also like to apologize to the Academy, the producers of the show, all the attendees and everyone watching around the world. I would like to apologize to the Williams Family and my King Richard Family. I deeply regret that my behavior has stained what has been an otherwise gorgeous journey for all of us."
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The Gemini Man issued another apology in August post to his YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.
"I've reached out to Chris and the message that came back is that he's not ready to talk, and when he is he will reach out," Smith said in the video. "So I will say to you, Chris, I apologize to you. My behavior was unacceptable, and I'm here whenever you're ready to talk."
The King Richard actor also extended his apology to Rock's family. Rock's mom said she was hurt when Smith hit his son. Rock's brother, Tony Rock, who was close to Smith, also aired his disapproval of Smith's behavior.
"I want to apologize to Chris's mother. I saw an interview that Chris's mother did, and that was one of the things about that moment," Smith said.
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"I didn't realize and I wasn't thinking [about] how many people got hurt in that moment. I want to apologize to Chris's mother, I want to apologize to Chris's family, specifically Tony Rock. We had a great relationship. Tony Rock was my man, and this is probably irreparable."
Despite Smith's effort to mend his relationship with Rock, the latter has remained mum about his public apology.
"Chris has no plans to reach out to Will," a source told Entertainment Tonight.
Meanwhile, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' Board of Governors decided that "for a period of 10 years from April 8, 2022, Mr. Smith shall not be permitted to attend any Academy events or programs, in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards," according to the letter obtained by CBS News. The board led by Academy president David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson clarified that they condoned Smith's "unacceptable and harmful behavior."
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