The infamous slap calls for our attention once again.
As she was discussing her newest album Copingmechanism with Billboard, Willow Smith shared her feelings about the controversial incident during the 2022 Academy Awards.
The 21-year-old musician told interviewers that the backlash against Will Smith didn’t derail her from her creativity. Instead, she explained, “it didn’t rock me as much as my own internal demons.” She expressed how she doesn’t see her family for their faults. This is because she accepts them for their humanness. Although Will Smith made an impulsive decision back in March, Willow Smith understands that it is solely a part of being human.
Because of the position that we’re in, our humanness sometimes isn’t accepted, and we’re expected to act in a way that isn’t conducive to a healthy human life and isn’t conducive to being honest.
Willow Smith’s Interview with Billboard
Will Smith’s Sorrowful Response
Last month, Will Smith addressed the slap after returning to Instagram. In a short, heart-felt video, Smith publicly apologized to Chris Rock, Tony Rock, Rosalie Rock, and the nominees. Tony Rock, Chris Rock’s brother, responded to Smith’s apology. He told Twitter users, “There was a genuine friendship. So to all those idiots with their negative comments, you can respectfully S.M.D.”
In Smith’s apology clip, he also mentioned the way Questlove watched everything unfold and said, “sorry isn’t sufficient enough.” Smith also apologized to his family for putting them in the hot seat.
The award-winning actor told viewers that he didn’t apologize to Chris Rock after receiving his award, because, at that point, he was “fogged out”. Considering that he slapped his longtime buddy on national television and received an Oscar within the same hour, his initial disassociation is understandable.
Additionally, Will Smith shared with viewers the deep remorse he felt knowing he made fans disappointed. He told his audience, “disappointing people is my central trauma,” he continued, “it hurts me psychologically and emotionally to know that I didn’t live up to people’s image and impression of me.”
Willow Smith’s “Copingmechanism”
The pop-punk rockstar described to Billboard that her new album is completely vulnerable. Smith shared that this album shows the emotional struggles she experienced after having her heart broken. She created this album as a way to get her inner thoughts out.
The 21-year-old told interviewers, “I used to think, ‘Why are all these songs about heartbreak, and why does everyone care so much about this?’” She continued, “Then I realized, when it happens, it really makes you feel like something is wrong with you.”
The star announced that Copingmechanism will be released on September 23rd.