Will Smith film Emancipation pushed to 2023 by Apple in the wake of Slapgate

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Apple is delaying the release of Will Smith's next film, Emancipation, in the wake of his now infamous slapping of Chris Rock during the Oscars, it was revealed on Friday.Apple Original Films and Smith's own Westbrook Studios is behind the upcoming drama which was expected to premiere this year, but sources say there is an 'unspoken truth' that the movie will not come out until 2023,' Variety reported.The Antoine Fuqua directed movie was already getting awards buzz prior to this year's Oscars but Smith's on-camera assaulting of Chris Rock sent the studio into damage control.

Backlash: Apple is delaying the release of Will Smith's next film, Emancipation, in the wake of his now infamous slapping of Chris Rock during the Oscars, it was revealed on FridayEmancipation, sees Smith portrayinga runaway slave named Peter, which is based off a true story from an 1863 photo titled The Scourged Back.The image, according to History.com, depicts Peter showing off a heavily scarred back after a treacherous journey to freedom. (The photo, which was in Harper’s Weekly in July of 1863, was critical in changing the beliefs of white Northerners looking to abolish slavery.) The 53-year-old's performance was expected to earn him an Oscar nod - but that was prior to the 2022 ceremony where he slapped Chris Rock on stage.A source told Variety that 'it's the unspoken truth' the historical drama - which would have been Smith's first following the ordeal - will not come out until some time in 2023.

Shelved:Apple Original Films and Smith's own Westbrook Studios is behind the upcoming drama which was expected to premiere this year, but sources say there is an 'unspoken truth' that the movie will not come out until 2023,' Variety reported The outlet.