After actor Will Smith stepped on stage and slapped comedian Chris Rock at the Oscars in Los Angeles, international celebrities responded with amazement, condemnation, and in some instances, applause.
The brawl erupted when Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, comparing her to the movie character GI Jane, on live television in front of a stunned audience of fellow performers at the 94th Academy Awards on Sunday night.
Pinkett Smith has talked openly about her battles with alopecia, an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss and her choice to shave her head. She has been married to Will Smith since 1997.
Following the assault, Smith, who went on to win an Oscar for his role as the father of tennis champions Venus and Serena Williams in King Richard, returned to his seat, screamed at Rock,
Wow, Will Smith just knocked the s*** out of me,” remarked a surprised Rock, who took a minute to compose himself before continuing to announce the best documentary feature nominations.
According to reports in the United States, Rock refused to file charges. “That’s gone,” Sean “Diddy” Combs subsequently told the New York Post, referring to the feud between the two rappers. “I can attest to that.”
Smith apologized to the Academy and his “fellow nominees” during his acceptance speech, but did not specifically mention Rock. Instead, he compared himself to the movie role he played.
Smith added, “Richard Williams was a staunch protector of his family.” “I am overwhelmed by what God is asking me to do and be in this world at this time in my life, at this instant.”
He went on to say, “Art imitates life.” “They thought I looked like the insane father, and I did.” Love, on the other hand, will drive you insane.”
Neither artist has spoken out about the issue subsequently.
Others, though, have chimed in, with Jaden Smith, the Smiths’ son, tweeting after the incident, “that’s how we do.”
“I believe Chris was dirty,” comedian Tiffany Haddish told a reporter from the Los Angeles Times.
According to the reporter’s tweet, she stated, “As a woman who had a husb[and], I wish my husb[and] wld [have] stood up 4 me the way [Will] stood up for [Jada].” “Isn’t that what every woman desires?” She was in pain. He also guarded his wife. And a guy is expected to do that.”
“Will Smith owes Chris Rock a major apology,” director Rob Reiner tweeted in response to the violence.
“What he did was just unacceptable. He’s fortunate Chris isn’t charging him with assault,” he added. “His explanations tonight were a load of nonsense.”
Sophia Bush, an actress, made a similar point, saying, “Violence isn’t acceptable.” “Assaulting someone is never a good idea.”
“Punching down at someone’s auto-immune condition is unacceptable,” she continued. It is cruel to do so on purpose. They’re both in need of a break.”