Oscars producer Will Packer recently discussed the aftermath of the Will Smith-Chris Rock slapping incident. Packer told Good Morning America that the LAPD was preparing to arrest Smith on “battery” charges prior to Rock’s decision not to press charges. He declared:
This was the phrase they were using at the time: “You know, this is the battery.” They said we would go get him; we are prepared. We are prepared to accept him immediately. You can press charges. He can be detained.”
He went on:
“As they discussed the numerous options, Chris appeared contemptuous of each one. “No, I’m fine,” he replied. ‘No, no, no,’ he repeated.”
The LAPD stated before that “the involved party [Chris Rock] has refused to submit a police report.” Packer headed the first Black production team for the 94th Academy Awards.
He then told GMA that he did not speak to Smith directly after slapping Rock for making a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shorn head.
Will Packer: Everything You Need to Know
Packer is one of the most well-known directors in Hollywood. He established and oversees both Will Packer Productions and Will Packer Media. The producer was born on April 11, 1974, and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida.
After completing high school in 1991 in St. Petersburg, he enrolled at Florida A&M University. In 1996, Packer completed a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering with honors.
He began filmmaking with Rob Hardy and working for producer Warrington Hudlin during his college years.
After graduating, the duo founded Rainforest Films in Atlanta. The group’s filmography includes Trois, Trois: The Escort, Motives, Lockdown, The Gospel, and This Christmas.
Five critically acclaimed films, including Think Like A Man, Ride Along, Stomp The Yard, Obsessed, and Takers, have been produced by Packer’s Rainforest Films. Will Packer Productions was founded in 2012, one year prior to the dissolution of Rainforest Films.
Under his own label, Packer has produced record-breaking films such as Girls Trip and Night School, as well as number-one blockbusters such as No Good Deed and What Men Want, among others.
He was also an executive producer for the television miniseries Straight Outta Compton and Roots. His most recent film, The Photograph, will be released in February 2020. In 2017, Packer also founded the television, online, and branded content company Will Packer Media.
Among the projects under the banner are Ambitions, Ready to Love, The Baxters, Powerstar Live, Truth Be Told, Uncle Buck, Being Mary Jane, and the Emmy-nominated remake of Roots.
Blackballed, Atlanta Child Murderers, The Disappearance of the Millbrook Twins, and Shark Trip: Eat. Prey. Chum are examples of recent works. In his honor, Florida A&M University will rename its amphitheater Will Packer Amphitheater on October 29, 2021.
He was also chosen to produce the 94th Annual Academy Awards. In July 2001, Packer wed Nina Packer, his first wife. Nija and Maya are the two daughters of the couple.
The couple separated in February 2009. He subsequently began dating Heather Hayslett and proposed to her on stage at the 2013 Essence Music Festival. In August 2015, the pair tied the knot in Georgia.
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