"The road to redemption is going to be long and painful," a source told Us Weekly.
The consequences of Will Smith's scuffle with Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars are taking a toll on the The Pursuit of Happiness star's family as they await the outcome of the Academy's investigation.
“It has been a nightmare for everyone,” a source close to the family exclusively told Us Weekly.
"Will knows that the road to redemption is going to be a long and painful one, and there is a part of him that has grown to accept that he will never be able to fully repair the damage."
Smith's family — which includes wife Jada Pinkett Smith, sons Trey, 29, and Jaden, 23, and daughter Willow, 21 — have refrained from commenting explicitly on the situation to avoid drawing even more attention. .
"They know the best course of action is to stay fit," the insider said. "The only healer is time."
King Richard Starr smacked comedian Chris Rock on the 94th Academy Awards stage on March 27 when he met his wife Jada Pinkett Smith's G.I. Gen 2, referring to his shaved head.
The Philadelphia native apologized for his behavior while accepting the Best Actor Oscar for his work in King Richard.
Smith said at the time, "I am being called to love and protect the people in my life and to be a river to my people." "I want to apologize to the Academy. I want to apologize to all my fellow candidates. ... But love will drive you crazy."
The next day, the Gettin Ziggy With It rapper also publicly apologized to Rock for his "unacceptable and unforgivable" reaction at the awards show.