Will Smith, Jada Pinkett-Smith’s Charity To Close After Donations Stall
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Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s charity is set to close as donations stall.
Variety reports that the Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation will terminate operations in the fall of 2024. The couple first founded the organization in 1996.
The Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation‘s goal was “to improve lives and uplift humanity.” “I want to do good. I want the world to be better because I was here. I want my life, I want my work, my family, I want it to mean something,” Will’s mission statement reads on the official site. “It’s like if you are not making someone else’s life better, then you’re wasting your time. Your life will become better by making other lives better.”
Funds to support the charity were gathered from the dynamic couple and other companies, celebrities, and donors. The funds were then used and invested in “initiatives that focus on deepening individual and collective empowerment.” But since the foundation’s inception, the donations have all but dried up. And Will Smith’s Oscar slap controversy is partially to blame.
Variety reports that the foundation’s revenue took a severe hit after Chris Rock did. Tax records detail a devastating decrease from 2021’s $2,138,660 to 2022’s $365,870. Their tried and true donors, such as CAA and American Airlines, departed the foundation after the incident.
The outlet claims that Will and Jada had already planned to end operations before the Oscars snafu. Instead, the Smiths will move to privately donating to other charitable causes. Over the years, the couple has supported Big Brothers Big Sisters, the American Film Institute, and the Debbie Allen Dance Academy.
The charity’s closure is just one of the infamous slap’s lasting effects. Immediately after the attack, Will Smith wrote a statement to the Academy insisting he was “heartbroken” by his own actions. He also formally resigned from his chair seat and accepted his 10-year ban.
“I have directly responded to the Academy’s disciplinary hearing notice and will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct. My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable,” Will Smith said.
“The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all those in attendance, and global audiences at home. I betrayed the trust of the Academy. I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken,” he added. “I want to put the focus back on those who deserve attention for their achievements and allow the Academy to get back to the incredible work it does to support creativity and artistry in film. So, I am resigning from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate.”
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