Will Smith may have lost favor with much of Hollywood after the infamous Oscars slap, but one A-lister has remained in his corner — Charlize Theron.
According to insiders, the Hancock co-stars have maintained a strong and loyal friendship, even as Smith continues to battle backlash for slapping comedian Chris Rock during the 2022 Academy Awards broadcast. The incident, sparked by a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s bald head, shocked audiences and left Smith’s reputation badly bruised.
Charlize stands firm while others distance
While many Hollywood executives and stars have reportedly distanced themselves from the King Richard actor, sources say Theron has refused to follow the crowd. The South African actress, 49, has allegedly been a pillar of support for Smith, 56, during this rocky chapter.
The two actors first met over two decades ago. Smith was said to be blown away by Theron’s early work and particularly impressed by her Oscar-winning transformation in Monster. Their professional collaboration eventually led to the 2008 film Hancock, which had been shelved as a potential Jennifer Lopez project until Smith championed Theron for the role.
According to a source close to the pair, Theron and Smith built a real camaraderie through their work, and their connection has stood the test of time — including Smith’s marriage struggles with Pinkett Smith and the public fallout from “Slapgate.”
Friendship offers rare stability
The insider claims that in contrast to his often tumultuous relationship with Jada, Theron provides Smith with calm, loyal support. Friends say she’s become a rare confidante in a time when others have abandoned him. The source added that Smith doesn’t share deep friendships with many fellow A-listers, making his bond with Theron even more unique.
One source explained that Charlize seems to embody everything Will feels he’s missing in his estranged marriage — kindness, patience, and quiet strength. They emphasized that the pair’s friendship is not romantic but rather a deep, understanding alliance between two veterans of the industry.
Though Smith’s future in the spotlight remains uncertain, those close to him believe he and Theron will work together again — professionally and possibly even on screen — thanks to their unwavering trust in one another.
Hollywood may still be grappling with how to handle Smith post-scandal, but Charlize Theron, it seems, has already made her decision. She’s standing by her friend.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.