‘232 copies’: Will Smith’s brutal career humiliation

It was meant to be his big comeback after that Oscars slap – but Will Smith’s much-hyped new project has been a spectacular flop.

Hollywood actor Will Smith’s new album has failed to chart anywhere, and sold just 268 copies in its first week in one of his major markets, the UK.

Based On A True Story is the Men in Black star’s first record in 20 years.

But The Sun reports it shifted just 232 copies on streaming services and was downloaded only 36 times in the UK, where Smith’s four previous albums were top 40 hits. It also missed the charts completely here in Australia.

It has failed to crack the Top 200 following its release last month and has become his first album not to chart in the US. It’s a long way from the heights of his 1997 debut solo album Big Willie Style, which was certified nine times platinum in the US for sales of more than nine million copies.

It was hoped the new album would help relaunch Will, 56, as a music star again — three years after he was condemned for slapping Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars.

That caused him to be banned from the ceremony for ten years and prompted Netflix to pause development on his film Fast and Loose.

Will’s new 14-track collection includes collaborations with his son Jaden, rapper Big Sean and DJ Jazzy Jeff.

Will Smith was an award-winning actor, singer and rapper … Picture: Giorgio Viera / AFP

… until he torpedoed his own career at the Oscars three years ago. Picture: AFP

Will and Jazzy Jeff had a string of hits in the 1990s including Summertime and Boom! Shake the Room.

The actor later went solo with hits including Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It, Miami, Wild Wild West and Will 2K, as well as 1997’s chart-topper Men In Black.

Despite the disappointing new album sales, Will said he is planning on releasing two more albums this year.

He has also announced a tour for later in the year.

This story originally appeared on The Sun and is republished here with permission.

Originally published as ‘232 copies’: Will Smith’s brutal career humiliation