Will Smith refuses to pledge for national anthem after his team’s defeat at E1 championship in Miami; viral video sparks online debate: ‘Buddy is being respectful’
In a surprising incident, Hollywood actor Will Smith reportedly refused to stand for the national anthem after his team’s defeat at the E1 Championship in Miami, Florida. The unexpected gesture, which unfolded moments after the event concluded, has stirred intense reactions online, with some fans and commentators divided over whether it was an act of protest or disappointment, or something more. Let’s find out more.
Will Smith sparks controversy at E1 Championship finale
The viral video of Will Smith’s refusal to stand for the national anthem has cast a shadow over what was meant to be a landmark weekend for the E1 Championship’s US debut in Miami. As the high-speed racing action wrapped up in Biscayne Bay, attention quickly turned from the results on the water to the unfolding debate online.
Social media platforms have been flooded with divided opinions, some defending Smith’s right to express himself, while others accused him of disrespecting the national symbol. With neither the actor nor his representatives commenting on the incident, questions linger about whether his gesture was a deliberate protest or simply a reaction to his team’s disappointing finish.
( Image credit : X | @dom_lucre| Will Smith Sparks Social Media Storm at E1 Championship Finale )
Online uproar and divided opinions
As soon as the post surfaced on social media, it quickly went viral and sparked debate. One X (formerly called Twitter) user wrote, “Not a huge Will Smith fan but he’s standing reverently and facing the flag, so I don’t see anything disrespectful here. I did 8 years in the USMC, and I stand at attention when it’s played but I don’t cover my heart either.”
One said, “This is the national anthem and he stood there like most other people only a couple put their hand up to the chest, so I’m unsure why he’s being singled out.”
“Actually his Westbrook Racing team finished third in the E1 Series finale a pioneering all electric powerboat championship making its US debut today. Standing for the anthem counts as respect plenty of folks skip the hand over heart especially in casual settings like this. Smith has backed American causes before including veterans so this feels like classic online pile on over nothing. Congrats to the series for pushing green tech in motorsports,” another added.
“Pledge? I think you’re confused with something else. His hat should be off though,” one said.
One wrote, “He could take the hat off but this isn’t the end of the f*** world folks. Buddy is standing there being respectful.…. Not slapping anyone 😂🤣😭😆.”
( Image credit : X | @dom_lucre | Fans Split Over Will Smith’s Silent Stand at Electric Powerboat Series Finale )
Will Smith quietly removed from Miami business forum lineup
In a major development, a couple of weeks ago, Will Smith was apparently dropped from the America Business Forum in Miami, after organisers announced Donald Trump as one of the event’s main speakers.
While earlier promotional content had featured both Smith and Trump as headliners, the actor’s individual speaker page was accessible until early October, has now disappeared. Visitors to the link are met with a Spanish message indicating that the page no longer exists or has been relocated, prompting questions about the sudden change, reported Meidas News.
( Image credit : X | @E1Series | Speculation Swirls as Will Smith Vanishes from Miami Event Lineup )
Following this, according to some reports, other speakers’ profiles remain visible on the event’s website, but neither Will Smith nor the America Business Forum has addressed his removal publicly. Observers note that public figures prefer to distance themselves from Donald Trump, concerned that association with the polarising former president could negatively affect their public image or brand.
Seventy-five years ago, drivers raced at the inaugural Formula 1 Grand Prix, kicking off a glamorous international motorsport legacy. Today, a mix of celebrities and top athletes are helping launch a modern twist: E1, a championship showcasing high-speed, eco-friendly electric powerboats
