NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar defended Will Smith after some people accused the Hollywood star of posting his apology video to repair his ruined image.
“Smith is an enormously talented actor. That may lead some to suggest he’s merely acting contrite and remorseful in the video. Skeptics will also point out that taking four months to respond feels like commerce more than conscience. Within a few days after the Oscars, Smith’s popularity dropped 30 points and several film projects starring Smith were shelved or postponed. Is this video just an opening act for his redemption tour culminating in more movie deals?” he wrote on his Substack newsletter.
“I don’t think so. I’m not going to critique his format or his delivery or even his timing. I’m going to look at his words and accept that they are sincere and honest. I’m going to believe that after a lengthy period of soul-searching, family rebuilding, and moral prioritizing, he was ready to face a shocked and disapproving world—one that may no longer be rooting for him.
“I, however, am rooting for him.”
