Bad Boys 4 reportedly on pause after Will Smith Oscar smack

'Now there will be a ... pause ... in work as things play out'

The fourth instalment of the Bad Boys Franchise has been reportedly stalled following Will Smith's viral slapping moment. This year's Oscars ceremony saw Will Smith, 53, win the award for best slap. Of course, the slap was not featured in a movie, and instead, Smith smacked Chris Rock, 57, on the stage after the latter had made a joke concerning Jada Pinkett Smith, Will's wife. While Smith has since apologised and just yesterday resigned from the Academy, it seems the ramifications of his actions are still in full swing. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Bad Boys 4 has been paused at Sony in response. "Is there any immediate effect on his projects? Well, here's one tidbit we've heard this week: Bad Boys 4 had been in active development, and Smith received 40 pages of the script before the Oscars incident," they wrote. "According to our sources. Now there will be a ... pause ... in work as things play out, we've been told." Nothing has been confirmed by either Smith or Sony at the time of writing. On April 1, Smith announced his resignation from the Academy. He wrote: "I have directly responded to the Academy's disciplinary hearing notice, and I will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct. My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable. "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," the I am Legend actor said. "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." He continued: "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. Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason."