After slapping Chris Rock in the face at this year's Oscars, Will Smith was banned from attending Academy events for 10 years. But while Rock may not have forgiven him, it appears Hollywood has.
Will Smith's first big film project since slapping comedian Chris Rock live on stage at the 94th Academy Awards will be released later this year.
Emancipation received its first screening on Sunday in Washington as part of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Legislative Conference.
In March, Smith was widely condemned for hitting Rock after the comedian made a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
Rock had referred to Pi
Smith's shortly shaved hair, comparing her to GI Jane. Pinkett Smith has been vocal about her battle with the autoimmune disease alopecia, which causes hair loss.
Shocking photos taken during his army medical examination - showing his bare back heavily mutilated from whipping - were widely shared as part of the abolitionist movement at the time and went on to help in the fight against slavery.
The film is produced by Smith, who also plays the lead role of Peter.