'Consequences to actions': Internet reflects as Will Smith and Jada Pinkett's entertainment company lays off staff as it struggles to land deals
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The entertainment industry is abuzz with reactions as Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith's media company, Westbrook, faces challenges, including staff layoffs and a failed attempt to sell the company.
The setbacks, attributed to the aftermath of the Oscars incident and the actor and writers' strike, have stirred discussions about the consequences of actions in the public eye.
Will Smith and Jada Pinkett's Westbrook faces setbacks
According to a report from Semafor, the power couple was in talks to sell Westbrook for close to $1 billion to Candle Media before the 2022 Oscars incident where Will Smith slapped Chris Rock on stage.
The deal, which would have included assets like Will Smith's brand and Jada's successful 'Red Table Talk' show, was valued at $600 million by Candle Media, significantly lower than the $1 billion the couple anticipated.
Candle Media, known for acquiring Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine for $1 billion in 2021, ultimately backed out of the Westbrook deal, marking a substantial setback for Will and Jada's entertainment venture.
The fallout from the Oscars incident appears to have contributed to Westbrook's challenges, affecting business momentum and potential deals. The public outcry and controversy surrounding the incident may have influenced the perception of Westbrook's brand value and marketability.
Adding to the company's woes, the actor and writers' strike disrupted the industry, leading to layoffs at Westbrook. Despite Westbrook's previous success with projects like the TV show 'Bel-Air' and the Oscar-nominated 'King Richard', the current industry landscape poses challenges for sustained growth.
Before the failed sale deal, Westbrook was reportedly on track for success, generating substantial revenue and working on projects for major streaming platforms. The company had about 100 employees and offices in Calabasas, with a diverse portfolio that included content for Disney+, Apple TV, Snapchat, Netflix, and Hulu.
Internet reacts to layoffs in Westbrook
The news of layoffs in Will Smith and Jada Pinkett's entertainment company, Westbrook, has triggered strong reactions on the Internet. Users expressed a mix of sentiments, from asserting the consequences of actions to expressing empathy for the challenges faced by the power couple.
One user wrote, "True, No One Cares & Karma is a real cool chick."
Another user wrote, "And there are consequences to your actions. So dumb."
One wrote, "Damn I bet they’re struggling poor things."
The fourth user wrote, "YAAA !!! I will never support another movie he's in. NEVER !! HE DID exactly what we teach our young people NOT to do. !!!"
The fifth user wrote, "That's what happens when you're horrible people."
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
