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Pow! Right In The Kisser ... Publicity Stunt or Real?
The group that hands out the Oscars on Monday condemned Will Smith’s slap of presenter Chris Rock at Sunday night’s Academy Awards ceremony and said it had started a formal review of the incident that cast a shadow over the film honors. In case you haven't heard (God knows few people were watching), Smith stormed the stage during the live telecast and punched Rock in the face after the comedian made a joke about the appearance of Smith's wife's short slicked back hair (Jada Pinkett Smith allegedly suffers from Alopecia). Less than an hour later, Smith won best actor for his role in King Richard.
In a statement on Monday, the 9,900-member Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said it “condemns the actions of Mr. Smith at last night’s show”. “We have officially started a formal review around the incident and will explore further action and consequences in accordance with our Bylaws, Standards of Conduct and California law,” the academy added. The group’s standards of conduct policy states it is “categorically opposed to any form of abuse, harassment or discrimination” and expects members to uphold the values “of respect for human dignity, inclusion, and a supportive environment that fosters creativity".
Violations may result in suspension or expulsion from the group, revocation of Oscars, or loss of eligibility for future awards, according to the policy. It is extremely rare for the film academy to revoke membership, and has only happened on three occasions. Producer Harvey Weinstein was expelled in 2017 after more than three dozen women accused him of sexual assault. Bill Cosby and Roman Polanski were kicked out in 2018. Cosby was convicted of drugging and sexually assaulting a woman in 2004 (although a judge later overturned the conviction), and director Roman Polanski (Rosemary's Baby) admitted to having unlawful sex with a 13-year-old girl.
As he accepted the best actor trophy, Smith apologized to the academy and fellow nominees, but not to Rock (what an arrogant prick), and said he hoped he would be invited back to the Oscars.
A few thoughts. First of all, I'm not entirely convinced that this wasn't a poorly acted publicity stunt, because this was reportedly a make or break telecast for the poorly rated Academy Awards that has been on the verge of internet only viewing for years. Secondly, seating Smith right there in the first row (only 20 ft. away from Rock) seemed too convenient to me. Thirdly, it is a well known fact that Rock and Smith are long time good friends.
On the flipside, if this was real, then Chris Rock needs to press charges and/or sue the shit out of Smith, even if he donates the windfall to charity.
Thirdly, if the Academy doesn't severely discipline Smith (like say, take back the useless Oscar), then they are opening themselves up to a heap of trouble in the future.
I'm not saying that I hate Jada Pinkett Smith, but I do have a favorite scene in Scream 2.
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