Will Smith predicted career collapse during psychedelic experience: 'My whole life is getting destroyed'

In a remarkably candid conversation with David Letterman on his Netflix show "My Next Guest Needs No Introduction," filmed months before the notorious Oscars incident, renowned actor Will Smith made a startling revelation. Smith shared a profound psychedelic experience he had while under the influence of ayahuasca, an herbal brew known for its hallucinogenic properties.

According to Smith, this introspective journey confronted him with a nightmare vision of his life, wealth, and enviable career slipping away. The "King Richard" star detailed how, during a two-year period, he used the psychedelic substance nearly 15 times, and in one particular session, he witnessed his world shattering.

"I start seeing all of my money flying away, and my house is flying away, and my career is going away," Smith recalled, describing it as the "most hellish psychological experience" of his life. The imagery was so potent that he found himself instinctively trying to grasp at the dissipating fragments of his life, embodying his deep-rooted fears.

Yet, amidst this inner turmoil, a profound revelation struck Smith. A voice echoed in his mind, grounding him in reality: "This is what the f--- life is." This experience shifted his focus towards his ultimate blessing—his family. During this ordeal, Smith stated, "I stopped caring about my house. I stopped caring about my career... I just wanted to get to Willow," referring to his daughter.

This harrowing experience eventually equipped Smith with a newfound resilience, asserting, "I can handle anything that this life has to offer me," a realization of his inner strength that came to the fore amid the aftermath of the Oscars slap incident that put him under severe criticism.

In the wake of the scandal, Smith resigned from the Academy and was subsequently banned from attending any Academy Award events for the next ten years. Despite the consequences, Smith publicly apologized for his outburst, denouncing his violent act as "unacceptable and inexcusable," and stated that his actions did not reflect the man he aspires to be.