It’s as if a nightmare had taken its shape and form in reality. Will Smith slaps/hits Chris Rock on nationally broadcasted television and goes back to his seat yelling derogatory words. A shocked audience is left with palpable tension as everyone wonders what just happened.
Smith, who has notably played several major acting roles throughout his storied career, won the Academy’s “Best Actor” award for playing his part in the movie King Richard, a movie about Venus and Serena Williams persevering through childhood struggles and playing tennis. He has also starred in such roles such as The Pursuit of Happiness, Collateral Beauty, and The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.
Will Smith has since publicly apologized to Chris Rock following the incident, posting on his Instagram page stating that he himself was “out of line and wrong”. Mr. Rock has decided not to press charges on Smith, which may be crucial if he is to keep his Oscar award.
Rock had made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith, Will’s wife, and her hair. Mrs. Smith suffers from alopecia, which causes hair loss. After Rock had made a “comedic” statement about Jada being the next star for GI Jane 2, this apparently was the last straw for Will.
Regardless of however hurt one feels, they must keep their emotions in check. Will Smith physically assaulted a comedian on live television, and it may take a while before everyone swallows this immensely difficult pill.
Sources:
https://www.google.com/search?q=will+smith+movies
https://www.insider.com/jada-pinkett-smith-alopecia-causes-symptoms-hair-loss-disease-2022-3
Image Credits: Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images
