UPDATE: Will Smith issued a public, but not personal, apology.
Did you hear what Will Smith said?
No, not the F bomb he dropped on Chris Rock — twice. Maybe he repeated it because there were hearing-impaired actors in the audience?
Maybe not.
I am referring to Smith recollecting words of advice given to him by Denzel Washington, that when you are at the peak of your success, that’s when the devil will grab you.
That was a prophecy, because that’s what happened on the night of Smith’s greatest success, winning the Oscar for Best Actor.
The one-time Fresh Prince, everyone’s favorite (clean) rapper turned action-cum-dramatic actor, went ugly and committed a Black-on-Black criminal assault on national international television.
The reaction was all over the place, but as I checked it, most were against Smith.
Before proceeding, I’ve got to say “no” to those who thought it was a hoax, or a publicity stunt.
This was not a Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunction.
If it were a hoax or PR stunt, that supposes Smith and Rock coordinated what would happen, and conspired.
If you break down what happened, and I recorded it, you see impulse, but not hoax.
When Rock finished the “G.I. Jane” joke, Smith laughed out loud. At the same moment, his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, frowned, and then grimaced.
That was the moment Smith marched to the stage, interrupting the show and putting me in mind of the moronic Kanye West grabbing a mic from Taylor Swift at the Video Music Awards in 2009, in “defense” of Beyonce.
Male toxicity — or ego?
Had this been planned, Smith would have been righteously indignant from the jump.
Also, neither Rock, nor the Smiths need publicity — they are huge stars, with more money and fame than they can handle.
Despite the opinion of some viewers that Rock did not miss a beat, the tape shows he stuttered for a moment and lost his place. He recovered quickly, probably because as a veteran standup, he knows how to handle a heckler.
And that is the proper response to a joke you don’t like — you boo, you hiss, you can even cat call or walk out, but you don’t lay your hands on a performer.
It’s as if the devil laid his hand on Smith, whose acceptance speech 40 minutes later rang very hollow when he talked about him being a vessel of love for his people.
What people are those?
He apologized to the Academy and the other nominees.
He did not apologize to Rock, nor has he as I write this Monday night.
The Academy condemned his behavior and is investigating and may punish the star.
Show biz observers say it could rescind his Oscar, but I don’t see how. That was earned in a film performance, and had nothing to do with his ceremonial conduct.
They could kick him out of the Academy, or suspend his membership for a time.
I suspect a slap on the wrist.
Rock has wisely declined to press charges against Smith.
To lay the matter to rest, Smith should call Rock personally and privately to apologize, and then let Rock announce that the phone call was made and the apology is accepted.
All it takes is for Smith to get out of his short pants and man up.
And heed Denzel.
“Whom the gods would destroy they first make mad.”
Stu, these ego-driven ‘stars’ NEVER get enough publicity. They live by the credo, “I don’t care what you say about me, just get my name right.”
And a riff on Sally Fields for Will Smith: “You hate me! You really, really hate me!”
Yes, Denzel reads Brigham Young. Or whoever said it first.
Stu I just read Smith apologized on twitter. Thank God! I can now get on with life.
Thanks, I had put that update into my column.
To say Will Smith and Jada don’t need publicity is like saying sharks don’t need to swim.
Jussie Smullet must be muttering to himself, “Why didn’t I think of that?”
I think Chris Rock’s body language lent credence to the “hoax” theory. When one is being charged by an angry man, an instinctive response would be to raise one’s hands in defense; especially to defend one’s face and head. Rock did not raise his hands. Typically after one has been struck on the face or head, he would rub the point of impact (chin, cheek, jaw, temple, whatever). Rock didn’t rub his face after the “impact.”
I think by now you may have changed your mind. Rock did not raise hands in defense because he expected a joke out of Smith, not a bitch slap. He said something like, “Uh-oh, here he comes,” in a light fashion.
Any major event such as this one hires security from the beginning of the laying of the red carpet until they leave with their one hundred thousand marketing gift. Rock should have had immediate security step out and stand in front of him. Every major Hollywood actor or actress has individual coverage, which also should have been backstage. To anybody who knows West Philadelphia Smith was a pussy by not reaching back to his gaining street-cred days, instead of going full Hollywood feminized actor, though he should have worn gloves. The Academy has a civil suit against the security company, but they probably hired them in the first place. The ratings which were at an all-time low will bounce back next year with the Rock as the host.
If he is the host.
Thank you gor this is the first reference I have seen to black on black attack. I’ve been asking myself how would Smith have reacted if Jerry Seinfeld had said what Rock said. Will Smith took a triumph and turned it into a tragedy of his making. Self fulfilling? And as a proud Philadelphian what should have been a very good Philly night will Smith & Questlove celebration was not
Thanks, Joyce, for noticing. I have seen a few others make the same point.