Will Smith music video shoot gets halted after the labours go againt

Will Smith, the talented actor who is otherwise known for the infamous Oscars act, helped to resolve a feud between the production and the labourers while shooting a music video for his latest album.

What happened at the Will Smith's music video shoot?

According to The Wrap, the union labourers (IATSE) picketed on the set against the Toronto and Miami-based production house, Breathe Entertainment. The producers dismissed 35 on-ground labourers after a clash over health and pension benefits for the music video shoot. The IATSE quite publicly addressed the situation and threatened to form a picket line.

The IATSE Local 80’s business manager stated that the union asked the producers to recognise the benefits, and they seemingly refused, as per Variety. As a replacement, the house hired a new bunch of crew. However, soon after they realised, they walked off the set and joined the picket line. The sources suggest that after a successful retaliation, Breathe decided to make a deal including the health and pension benefits for Smith’s music video production. Following the deal, the 35-person union crew returned to work the same day.

About Will Smith's album

Will Smith is making music videos for his album ‘Based on a True Story,’ which was released on March 28, 2025. Smith has collaborated with his son, Jaden Smith, Big Sean, Russ, and Joyner Lucas on the album.

According to the Deadline, which first reported the news, the representatives of Quixote Studios in West Hollywood, where the shoot happened, did not comment upon the situation as they “are not involved in the production, we’re just renting out the space.”

After the matter reached to social media when the picket line was formed, a user stated, “Way worse than a slap,” referring to the infamous action between Smith and Chris Rock during the Oscars. While another said, “Will Smith is a clown.”