The Long Road to Redemption

Will Smith is owning up to the criticism he’s faced since he slapped presenter Chris Rock at the Oscars by willingly resigning from the Academy on April 1. But a source says the best actor winner, 53, still feels nervous. “There’s a part of him that knows he’ll never be able to fully repair the damage,” explains the source. “He’s trying not to panic, but his biggest fear is being fully canceled.” Meanwhile, his family has continued to offer love and support. “It’s been a nightmare for everyone,” the source says. “But they know the best course of action is to stay tight-lipped. The only healer is time.”

“Seeing his roles put on ice has been a hugely bitter pill to swallow,” a source says of Smith, whose projects with Sony and Netflix have reportedly been paused.