Although Will Smith is not in much legal trouble over striking Chris Rock on live television, his reputational damage may be more significant. In a statement from The Academy Awards, it has been revealed that Smith was actually asked to leave the property following his assault but he refused to do so. This makes the actions of Smith not only a strike on a comedian but also then failing to cooperate with security’s response to the slap.
“Things unfolded in a way we could not have anticipated,” the Academy said in a statement. “While we would like to clarify that Mr. Smith was asked to leave the ceremony and refused, we also recognize we could have handled the situation differently.” — CBS News
It makes sense that The Academy would want to put that information into the public consciousness. They don’t want the possibility of a future actor approaching someone on live television to make a scene. This time it was a slap but next time it could be a fist fight. Once the door is opened, The Academy likely reckons it needs to be closed and closed hard. Having the public know that Smith was further unruly, not only with Chris Rock but also with security, is a way to prepare the press and the fans that punishment is on the way. You can understand now why Smith was so quick to put out a full apology in contrast to his first position provided in his acceptance speech.
It’s not just the idea that The Academy may be ready to take dramatic action against Will Smith that should have him worried. Apparently, Denzel Washington may be none too happy with Will Smith either. It seems that Denzel was trying to convey to Will Smith a piece of wisdom that was then twisted on stage when repeated. That then put Denzel in an awkward position because it made it sound like he was in Will Smith’s corner rather than Chris Rock’s… which may not have been true. Washington may have been telling Smith to control his emotions, not that Chris Rock’s joke was like the devil coming after him. Look at Denzel Washington’s response while Will Smith is speaking and remember that Denzel almost definitely knows that Will Smith has refused to leave the premises at this point.
Uncle Denzel with the wisdom after Will Smith slap on Chris Rock.#oscar pic.twitter.com/cMNJpWJpdW
— Guiloukiss (@GuilouKiss) March 28, 2022
I’m not sure that’s the look of a man who likes what he is seeing. And that may be how The Academy is feeling as they look into just how much went wrong with this situation. Considering they had the second-lowest ratings ever for this event, the time for playing games could be over.
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