JoJo Siwa Bows Out Of Will Smith-Backed Movie ‘Bounce’ After Oscars Slap

KEY POINTS

JoJo Siwa has exited the movie adaptation of the young adult novel “Bounce”
The social media star said the project got put on hold and then it went away
She also made it clear that her departure had nothing to do with Will Smith

JoJo Siwa has departed the planned film adaptation of the popular young adult book by Megan Shull, “Bounce.”

The 18-year-old dancer and digital sensation cut ties with the project, saying it was not meant for her.

“That project got put on hold, and then went away. It wasn’t the one,” Siwa exclusively told Variety at the GLAAD Media Awards Saturday.

Despite the timing of the news, Siwa’s decision to exit the project had nothing to do with Will Smith’s involvement in the film. The actor and his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, were reportedly producing the movie, alongside Jada’s brother, Caleeb Pinkett.

The Hollywood couple is still the talk of the town after Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock at the televised 94th Academy Awards on March 27 over a joke about Jada’s bald head.

Sources familiar with the project told Variety that Paramount Pictures has removed the movie adaptation from its development slate because it fell apart months ago.

During her interview with Variety over the weekend, Siwa did not hesitate to clarify that her departure from the film was not related to the controversial Oscars assault.

“I normally stay out of all politics, it’s not my gig. But, I will say that being kind to one another is very important. I think that can go both ways, kindness,” she added.

The project made waves on the internet in June 2021 when Siwa revealed that the script included a kissing scene between her and a male co-star.

The openly pansexual “Dance Moms” alum, who was in a relationship with her then-girlfriend Kylie Prew at the time, said she didn’t want to do that scene and had asked for it to be removed.

“I’m madly in love and I do not want to kiss another human. Especially because it’s a man. I’m not about it. I’m trying to get it pulled so bad,” she told Entertainment Weekly at the time.

Siwa’s request was accepted by the studio since an update to the story revealed that the kissing scene was removed.

But in November last year, Siwa shocked fans when she confirmed with People that she and Prew have parted ways.