Seniors at Will Smith’s high-profile talent agency have reportedly discussed whether to let the beleaguered actor go. slapping chris rock At the Oscars.
Brian Lord, Richard Lovett and Kevin Hovan of the Creative Artists Agency faced a dilemma of historic proportions when their client hit Rock in the face for joking about his wife’s hair — and then went on to win an Academy Award for his role in King Richard, The Daily Beast reported.
An internal debate about this has overshadowed the leadership retreat the famous agency held at the luxury Terranea resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, according to the outlet.
Three sources who spoke with Lord told The Daily Beast that he told several people at the event that the Civil Aviation Authority – which is in the process of acquiring rival agency ICM, which represents Rock – should get rid of Smith.
But Lovett didn’t want to lose the 53-year-old actor, who was representing him personally, and was described as “confused” amid the fallout, according to the report.
The outlet noted that the CAA’s dilemma was further complicated by the fact that the agency was linked to disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein.
The Daily Beast said the agency ultimately decided to keep Smith on its authoritative list despite his alleged slap being heard “around the world and his resignation from the academy.”
However, the CAA spokesperson insisted there was “no truth” to the report.
“It simply never happened,” said a delegate.
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