One day after the incident involving the slapping of comedian Chris Rock on the stage of the 94th Academy Awards or the Oscars, Will Smith issued a public apology via social media.
“I want to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I crossed the line and I was wrong. I’m embarrassed and my actions don’t describe the kind of man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world that is (full of) love and kindness.”
This slapping incident continues to be the talk of the whole world. It all started when Chris Rock cracked a joke about Will Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith. Chris said that he was looking forward to seeing Jada Pinkett-Smith’s appearance in the film ‘GI: Jane 2’ because of her bald hair. In fact, it is due to the condition of Alopecia that is experienced by Jada-Pinkett Smith, which can make hair fall out.
Will Smith then went up on stage and slapped Chris Rock. This shocked not only guests at the Dolby Theatre, but audiences around the world. Not only that, an uncensored video showing Will Smith’s anger and swearing towards Chris Rock also circulated.
Several actors such as Bradley Cooper, Denzel Washington, and Tyler Perry seemed to immediately calm Will Smith a few moments after the incident took place.
The Academy also condemned Will Smith’s actions and made inquiries via Twitter saying they did not condone acts of violence in any form.
Comedian So Restless
Comedian Rossie O’Donnell took to Twitter to reply to the tweet, saying, “Then why aren’t you guys doing anything?”
Through his tweet, Rossie O’Donnell also expressed his disappointment and praised Chris Rock for not responding to Will Smith’s slapping.
The incident also caused anxiety for comedian Kathy Griffin, who tweeted that the stunt was bad practice and that now comedians needed to think about their safety while performing.
Celebrities Vote
Celebrities also commented on this slapping incident. To the Associated Press, host Karamo Brown said, sometimes people see these celebrities are not as ordinary people.
“(Oscar) night was an emotional night for Will Smith. And we have to remember, at some point sometimes we can explode. But I think these two men will reconcile and apologize to each other. But I’ve never been in a situation like that. I don’t condone violence or anything like that, but I also understand protecting our loved ones,” he said.
Actor Henry Golding who is famous through the film ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ also said that Will Smith and Chris Rock are legendary actors. There seems to be something deeper that needs to be discussed.
“Hopefully both of them can solve the problem. I’m sure they can,” he added to the Associated Press.
Actress Tiffany Haddish also commented on this and said, “I wish I had a male partner who could protect me like (Will Smith).”
Unforgettable Events
Vanity Fair journalist Erin Vanderhoom also called this incident a highlight of the 2022 Academy Awards. However, in this modern era, it is difficult to predict whether this incident will continue to be remembered and tarnish Will Smith’s achievements.
“You could see at the end of his victory speech when (Will Smith) compared himself to Richard Williams, the character he played in the film (‘King Richard’), someone who has gone to great lengths to defend his family,” he explained to the Associated Press.
“Especially Jada, who has told me about her hair loss and allopedia, I think this (incident) stems from something that is very understandable, even though it is difficult to watch it on television,” he added.
Despite strongly condemning Will Smith’s actions, until now the Academy has not decided whether to sanction or withdraw the Oscar he won. [di/ii/dw]