Will Smith’s talent agency considered dropping him after Oscars slap: report

Bigwigs at Will Smith’s high-powered talent agency reportedly debated about whether to dump the embattled actor for slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars.

The Creative Artists Agency’s Bryan Lourd, Richard Lovett and Kevin Huvane faced a dilemma of historic proportions when their client whacked Rock across the face for joking about his wife’s hair – then went on to win the Academy Award for his role in “King Richard,” The Daily Beast reported.

An internal debate about the matter overshadowed a leadership retreat held by the famed agency at the swanky Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, according to the outlet.

CAA Partners Richard Lovett, Kevin Huvane and Bryan Lourd allegedly debated dropping Will Smith after he slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars.Eric Charbonneau/Invision/AP

Three sources who spoke with Lourd told the Daily Beast that he told several people at the event that CAA – which is in the process of acquiring rival agency ICM, which represents Rock – should get rid of Smith.

But Lovett did not want to lose the 53-year-old actor, whom he personally reps, and was described as “frazzled” amid the fallout, according to the report.

Will Smith slapped Chris Rock onstage during the Oscars after Rock made a joke about his wife’s hair.Getty ImagesRichard Lovett reportedly did not want to lose Smith, who was his personal client.Getty Images

The CAA’s conundrum was further complicated by the fact that the agency had been associated with disgraced movie producer Harvey Weinstein, the outlet noted.

Ultimately, the agency decided to keep Smith on its storied roster despite his so-called slap heard ’round the world and resignation from the Academy, The Daily Beast said.

However, a CAA spokesperson insisted that “there is no truth” to the report.

“Simply never happened,” the rep said.

Denzel Washington and Jada Pinkett Smith (L) speak with Will Smith after he hit Chris Rock at the Oscars.REUTERSWill Smith cries as he accepts the award for best performance by an actor in a leading role for “King Richard.”Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP