Turns out the Oscars Slapgate wasn’t the very first time the actor had hit rock bottom. After experiencing a high for a decade and giving a tremendous performance in King Richards, Will Smith was caught up in a controversy. His slapping of Oscar host Chris Rock got him banned from the academy for a decade. Additionally, he saw his movie offers shriveling up and his current projects stalled or canceled. 

The 90s gave us many big stars who continue to be in the A-list category even now. Smith was one of the few who hit it big during that era. But before Smith turned the tide in his favor with Fresh Prince of Bel Air, the actor was going through a tumultuous phase in his life.

Will Smith “lost everything” before Fresh Prince of Bel Air happened

A year before the Oscars fiasco would take place, the actor guested on The Ophrah Conversation: Will Smith to promote his memoir, Will, and docu-series. On the show, he opened up about his struggles and the one time he landed in jail. 

Eight months after he won a Grammy, the government seized all of his property—from car to home—and threw him into jail. Apparently, the star “Charlie punched” a guy in a radio station and things started spiraling down from there. “When it pours, it rains,” he noted, And it’s just the spiral when it starts going the other way. It’s like, sometimes you just have to get out the way and wait until the downward spiral stops.” 

The 54-year-old reflected on his actions that caused the events to follow, just like he is now. He has apologized to Chris and his family several times, but the animosity between the two has only grown bigger. Despite the actor trying to reach out to Chris, the comedian has refused to accept his apology. Meanwhile, he is also losing out high-profile roles to other actors.

Maybe all Will needs is another big break to get his career back on track. What do you think? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.