The Oscars Slap Divides Hollywood and Raises Questions

Behind the scenes at the Oscars, there were serious discussions about removing Smith from the theater, according to an industry official with knowledge of the situation who was granted anonymity to describe internal deliberations. But there was only a brief window of time for discussions, since the best actor award, which Smith was heavily favored to win, was fast approaching, the person noted — and there were many stakeholders, with varying opinions on how to proceed. Officials were also trying to ensure Rock had not been seriously injured, the person said.

After delivering the blow, Smith returned to his seat, remained in the theater and then was cheered when he collected his trophy for best actor. In his speech Smith apologized to the Academy and to his fellow nominees but not to Rock, and defiantly sought to draw parallels to the character he played in “King Richard,” the fiercely protective father of Venus and Serena Williams. He received a standing ovation.

“Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his family,” he said.

Comedians, who tell uncomfortable and sometimes offensive jokes for a living, raised concerns about the precedent Smith had set.

“Let me tell you something, it’s a very bad practice to walk up onstage and physically assault a Comedian,” Kathy Griffin tweeted. “Now we all have to worry about who wants to be the next Will Smith in comedy clubs and theaters.”

Jimmy Kimmel, the comedian and talk show host who had been the last person to host the Oscars, said on “The Bill Simmons Podcast” that he felt bad for the hosts, Questlove, who won the award Rock was presenting, and Rock, who he said “certainly didn’t deserve that.”

“In a way, I feel bad for Will Smith too, because I think he let his emotions get the better of him, and this should have been one of the great nights of his life,” Kimmel said. “And now it’s not. Was there anyone who didn’t like Will Smith an hour ago in the world? Like no one, right? Now he doesn’t have a single comedian friend — that’s for sure.”

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/28/movies/oscars-will-smith-slap-reactions.html