"Will Smith's Oscars Slap Nods in 'Bad Boys 4'"
In "Bad Boys: Ride or Die," Will Smith's character gets repeatedly slapped by Martin Lawrence's character in a meta-reference to Smith's infamous Oscars incident with Chris Rock. This scene, intended to be humorous, is seen as a potential way for Smith to address the controversy and rehabilitate his public image. The film's success is crucial for Smith, whose reputation has significantly declined since the incident. The movie's opening weekend performance is being closely watched as a test of Smith's continued box office appeal.