Smith Boycott Called In America

An interview Will Smith gave to a German newspaper in which he downplayed the effect September 11 (01) had on black Americans has prompted angry activists to boycott his films.

The I, ROBOT star unleashed his controversial comments in FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE four months ago, insisting the tragic terrorist atrocities in New York and Washington devastated white Americans more than the country's black population - because they were used to being the victims of tragedy.

Yesterday (02DEC04), in response to Smith's outspoken words, New York activist JON ALVAREZ - a member of Patriotic Americans Boycotting Anti-American Hollywood - called on the US public to boycott the actor's movies.

When reporter JOHANNA ADORJAN asked Smith if the events had personally changed him, he replied, "No. Absolutely not.

"When you grow up black in America you have a completely different view of the world than white Americans. We blacks live with a constant feeling of unease.

"And whether you are wounded in an attack by a racist cop or in a terrorist attack, I'm sorry, it makes no difference."

Furious Alvarez insists his bears no personal vendetta against Smith, but is urging citizens to teach him a lesson.

He says, "We just basically keep Americans informed of what these celebrities have to say during a time of war. I've always been a huge fan of Will Smith's movies. I loved ENEMY OF THE STATE and one of my all-time favourites was INDEPENDENCE DAY. But now I'm not going to put a dime in Will Smith's pockets."