Posted: 3/28/22 at 1:58pm
It wasn't staged. They've had beef for years.
Hall's jokes were fine. The actors were all in on it.
Posted: 3/28/22 at 2:56pm
I'm just pissed that those two jerks have completely overshadowed in news and social media the historic wins by the LGBTQ and deaf communities and the moving, passionate pleas for inclusiveness and tolerance made by Kotsur and DeBose (as well as Jessica Chastain).
Posted: 3/28/22 at 3:50pm
And yet this was one of the lowest rates Oscars telecasts. All this fanfare and less and less people are tuning in.
Posted: 3/28/22 at 4:20pm
Smith should have been immediately removed for physical assault.
https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/28/entertainment/academy-members-discuss-will-smith-oscars-slap/index.html
Posted: 3/28/22 at 4:56pm
Vuture reports:
"The 2022 Oscars attracted an average audience of 15.4 million viewers to ABC on Sunday, bouncing back by more than 50 percent from last year’s record-low COVID-restricted telecast but still earning nowhere near the Nielsen numbers it had been pulling as recently as 2020."
Posted: 3/28/22 at 5:41pm
I wonder if Will and Jade ever had the pleasure of attending a Don Rickles show.
Posted: 3/28/22 at 8:36pm
i'm still seeing so many people on social media saying it was staged. Like why would they stage that? It only makes Will Smith look bad and he was the odds on favorite to win the Oscar, so why would he want to tarnish his reputation? It was clearly not staged and clearly it was just rage.
I just wonder what clicked in him cause you see him laugh at the joke and then next thing he's slapping someone.
Posted: 3/29/22 at 1:39am
Borstalboy said: "Y'all...that was so staged. Come on, now."
Incorrect. Will Smith has officially apologized to Chris Rock for assaulting him last night. And no, since it was towards the end of the show ratings did NOT matter. Anyone who thinks different is fooling themselves, unfortunately. He and the entire night will be tarnished forever due to his repugnant actions.
Congratulations to Dune, West Side Story, Encanto, The Power Of The Dog and the brilliant movie Coda for their wins!!!! 
Posted: 3/29/22 at 7:50am
Posted: 3/29/22 at 8:00am
SisterGeorge said: "I'm just pissed that those two jerks have completely overshadowed in news and social media the historic wins by the LGBTQ and deaf communities and the moving, passionate pleas for inclusiveness and tolerance made by Kotsur and DeBose (as well as Jessica Chastain)."
100%! The ongoing conversation about celebrating representation in media/film is constantly being had. In a moment where there is a sparkle of hope, all people want to talk about is this. Why can't we leave this alone? They are two grown men, screw 'em. And to those who are pointing out past Oscar winners, and are calling for the Academy to take back their Oscars...why are you concerned about John Wayne? He's dead.
Posted: 3/29/22 at 8:17am
The folks bringing up John Wayne are trying to muddy the waters, act like this is normal. That incident was 48 years ago.
This isn't normal. And the Academy will have to hand out some kind of punishment (likely his membership suspended for a time) to show this cannot happen again.
I would also like to think, in the future, they will have a plan to cut to commercial and eject whomever is violent during the ceremony. They were shamefully unprepared here.
And it's true, it's like QuestLove, Chastain, and Coda never won. He made it all about him.
That said, I try hard not to be cynical and choose to accept his publicist-crafted apology.
Posted: 3/29/22 at 1:01pm
I feel like the Oscars started to go downhill once they decided to put 10 films in the best picture category. When there were 5 it seemed like more of an honor for those who were nominated. By nominating 10 it all became something else that seemed to be associated with trying to get more publicity for other films which has nothing to do with the Oscars.
Posted: 3/30/22 at 9:36am
fashionguru_23 said: Why can't we leave this alone?"
Because in his privileged, Hollywood trash arrogance, Smith committed a crime of violence (regardless of its severity) not just on nationally televised TV, but on a world-wide scale. He was not removed from the venue, as would happen if ANY non-celebrity had committed the crime. Additionally, he received a standing ovation in spite of what everyone in that room had just witnessed.
His acceptance speech was despicable; invoking the character he portrayed as a justification for why his behavior should be excused. His Instagram apology is disingenuous, claiming that his behavior does not reflect that man he wants to be. His behavior however, does indicate the man he currently IS.
He also wrote that his behavior was "inexcusable" and "unacceptable". If he truly believed that, he would turn himself in to the LAPD and accept the consequences.
I doubt that he would receive the sentence/fine that any non-celebrity would receive under the law, which makes it even more despicable that he does not turn himself in.
#PriveledgedHollywoodTrash
Posted: 3/30/22 at 9:49pm
Agreed. I don't want this to overshadow the other winners, even though it already has. But I think what we can't (and shouldn't) let go is the fact that a man committed assault in front of a theatre full of his industry peers and a national audience of over 15 million people and (so far) has suffered no consequences. And to add insult to injury, not an hour after the fact, he won his first Oscar and received a rousing ovation from many in the audience.
Again, I don't think we can, or should, lose sight of that.
Posted: 3/30/22 at 11:27pm
I always think the work in progress argument is rather thin unless one is spending a considerable amount of time and energy becoming the best they can be.
I can’t believe Will went out dancing after all of that.
Updated On: 3/31/22 at 11:27 PM
Posted: 3/31/22 at 7:03am
Consequences take a little time, particularly if an organization's policies and procedures are involved as they are here with the Academy.
Since Rock declined to press charges, the Academy's actions are likely to be the consequences that surface next along with (or followed by) any endorsement deals and future work.
Posted: 3/31/22 at 7:34am
Turn himself in? He's not wanted. Rock isn't pressing charges. There is NOTHING for the police TO do. I am in no way excusing his behavior, but so many of you (and the press) are the ones making it be an overshadowing event by continually discussing it. Heck, CNN wrote when Jada made her first instagram post the next day - which doesn't seem like it had anything to do with the incident. This whole idea of the public thinking they have say as to how much punishment is "enough" or "just" is plain silly. It's the same way that I roll my eyes at those that crap on DEH because he wasn't punished. That's life....and, yes, in many circumstances people who do wrong do not face punishment. Do some of them learn from it? Yes. All of them? Of course not. Part of being a judge, is to look at the whole picture, not just the behavior in a secluded bubble. Are you allowed to think differently of him? Refuse to pay to see his work? Sure. I have artists I won't financially support. (Well, only one I can think of...)
Do I think Smith is sorry? I don't think that's for me to say. That's up to Chris Rock, the Academy and Will's conscience. It has nothing to do with me. Was more of it over concern he just ended his career? Perhaps - but that's often when we're sorry - when we realize what we've potentially lost. WILL it end his career? I actually don't think so.
I was disappointed to hear that when they tried to get him leave at the end, he refused - as well as hearing he partied afterwards.
Posted: 3/31/22 at 7:48am
dramamama611 said: "I found the extreme to which Hall's bit continued to be going to far...I grew uncomfortable. On the other end, it would be interesting to know how the men felt, if this had happened (without consent) with a man groping women, the world would be screaming."
There have been several incidents of men kissing women without consent at Awards shows (such as Adrien Brody towards Halle Berry at the 2002 Oscars), and no-one complained said the kissers were criminals or used "What If They Slapped Betty White?" analogies.
It goes without saying that Smith crossed a gigantic line, but I'm going to do the sensible thing by treating it as an act of stupidity rather than a crime. I get that the "codes of conduct" being cited now did not exist when John Wayne lashed out, but the point is that he committed what was probably a greater offence and received significantly less outrage - No-one said that he should be treated like a criminal there...
In an ideal world, the Academy should give Smith some level of community service, and a temporary suspension similar to the one Whoopi Goldberg received a few weeks ago (Although one of 6 months to a year - almost certainly long enough to wreck Emancipation's chances at the Oscars). But I believe that the emphasis in this situation should be Rehabilitation instead of Retribution. All the "ASSAULT IS A CRIME!" foaming at the mouth ignores the fact that Smith's action's were Retribution towards someone who has been mocking him and Jada in a pretty offensive way for as long as the three of them have been famous. Responding with an even greater act of retribution just creates a vicious cycle. People are saying "Smith should be treated like an Average Joe who did the same", but IMO, said ordinary slapper shouldn't be subject to criminal prosecution either. Smith's two explanations/apologies (though flawed) need to be accepted for now, and need to be the first step towards a healthier, more positive approach...
Posted: 3/31/22 at 8:11am
dramamama611 said: "Turn himself in? He's not wanted. Rock isn't pressing charges. There is NOTHING for the police TO do. I am in no way excusing his behavior, but so many of you (and the press) are the ones making it be an overshadowing event by continually discussing it. Heck, CNN wrote when Jada made her first instagram post the next day - which doesn't seem like it had anything to do with the incident. This whole idea of the public thinking they have say as to how much punishment is "enough" or "just" is plain silly. It's the same way that I roll my eyes at those that crap on DEH because he wasn't punished. That's life....and, yes, in many circumstances people who do wrong do not face punishment. Do some of them learn from it? Yes. All of them? Of course not. Part of being a judge, is to look at the whole picture, not just the behavior in a secluded bubble. Are you allowed to think differently of him? Refuse to pay to see his work? Sure. I have artists I won't financially support. (Well, only one I can think of...)
Do I think Smith is sorry? I don't think that's for me to say. That's up to Chris Rock, the Academy and Will's conscience. It has nothing to do with me. Was more of it over concern he just ended his career? Perhaps - but that's often when we're sorry - when we realize what we've potentially lost. WILL it end his career? I actually don't think so.
I was disappointed to hear that when they tried to get him leave at the end, he refused - as well as hearing he partied afterwards."
I agree. I think the incident will certainly wreck Emancipation*'s chances at next year's Oscars, but if he puts himself up for contention in 2023/24/25 in order to get an "untainted" win, I will keep an open mind and might even support him if the movie is good (That's a big conditional - For every Ali or King Richard, Smith has made a Seven Pounds or Collateral Beauty)..
I feel like the debate on cancellation depends on the level of goodwill we have for the relevant celebs before hand. Based on Fresh Prince, Men in Black, and even most of his songs, I generally have a very high level of affection towards Will Smith, and it will take more than one moment of madness for me to lose that affection long enough for me to consider him "cancelled". These debates can be harder when they involve celebrities you like, but my rule is to err on the side of generosity. When Whoopi Goldberg was suspended from The View for her insensitive comments about Jews, I waited out the two weeks with no trouble and followed the Color Purple casting news. I still hold Liam Neeson in high regard, despite his infamous comments about having wanted to carry out a hate crime - His downfall has been driven by reliance on mediocre action films of late, and I still think he has a few more worthwhile films in him. "Cancel culture" can be riven with hypocrisy, and I feel it's very difficult to boycott even the worst wrongdoers entirely.
I believe in trying to see the good in people as much as I possibly can, and believe that is the best way of making the world a better place. If we want a less angry world, we should stop spending our time getting so angry over one person's act of stupidity, and start turning our attention to fixing the millions of greater problems caused by our general culture of anger and resentment. The people who are ignoring the situation, playing it for comedy, or trying to start positive conversations on issues like Alopecia or conflict resolution are the ones we should follow and listen to.
(* - Emancipation is Smith's forthcoming slavery drama/thriller, due to be released on Apple + and a prime bit of Oscar Bait - or it would be if he hadn't lost his temper like that...)
Posted: 3/31/22 at 8:32am
dramamama611 said: "There is NOTHING for the police TO do."
Not true. The LAPD is aware the crime (as is much of the world). They have video evidence, and it is within their authority to make an arrest. I doubt they would do that, as some folks might be likely to create a social backlash that the LAPD wouldn't want. Therefore, the onus is on Smith, if he truly believes his action is "inexcusable", to turn himself in.
It does not matter whether/not the LAPD has a warrant for his arrest. Neither does it matter that Rock has declined to press charges. Smith and the LAPD know he committed a crime, so the honorable thing to do would be for Smith to turn himself in to the LAPD. HIs words are meaningless if he does not.
The maximum penalty for simple assault in the state of CA is up to 6 months in jail and fines of up to $1000.00. Battery is a different charge. As defined by CA law, it's the crime Smith committed. The penalty for simple battery is a fine of up to $2,000 and/or up to six 6 months in county jail.
Because he is a celebrity, I doubt he would do any jail time. Either fine (assault or battery) would be little more than a hand slap for Smith.
One other thought: Tiffany Haddish's comment describing Smith's action as "beautiful" demonstrates that she cannot see the forest for the trees.
Updated On: 3/31/22 at 08:32 AM
Posted: 3/31/22 at 8:57am
John Adams said: "dramamama611 said: "There is NOTHING for the police TO do."
Not true. The LAPD is aware the crime (as is much of the world). They have video evidence, and it is within their authority to make an arrest. I doubt they would do that, as some folks might be likely to create a social backlash that the LAPD wouldn't want. Therefore, the onus is on Smith, if he truly believes his action is "inexcusable", to turn himself in.
It does not matter whether/not the LAPD has a warrant for his arrest. Neither does it matter that Rock has declined to press charges. Smith and the LAPD know he committed a crime, so the honorable thing to do would be for Smith to turn himself in to the LAPD. HIs words are meaningless if he does not.
The maximum penalty for simple assault in the state of CA is up to 6 months in jail and fines of up to $1000.00.Battery is a different charge. As defined by CA law, it's the crime Smith committed. The penalty for simple battery is a fine of up to $2,000 and/or up to six 6 months in county jail.
Because he is a celebrity, I doubt he would do any jail time. Either fine (assault or battery) would be little more than a hand slap for Smith.
One other thought: Tiffany Haddish's comment describing Smith's action as "beautiful" demonstrates that she cannot see the forest for the trees."
Your response is still founded on the toxic principle that the police are the only true arbiters of justice in domestic/personal arguments. There are numerous times when the damage caused by bringing police and the legal system into this sort of spat far outweighs the benefits of telling people "slapping someone is wrong" (Caroline Flack - the UK Presenter and actress who committed suicide when a domestic dispute was brought to trial - would be rolling in her grave at the idea that the police should have overriding power in these arguments). Maybe we would be better off trying to resolve personal arguments (even ones watched live on TV) amongst ourselves...
Posted: 3/31/22 at 9:01am
Maybe it's problematic of me to bring the story of Caroline Flack into this, but my basic point still stands - the world would be better off if these losses of temper weren't automatically treated as criminal acts needing the attention of the police and law courts...
Posted: 4/1/22 at 5:56am
BritCrit said: "Your response is still founded on the toxic principle that the police are the only true arbiters of justice in domestic/personal arguments."
There was no domestic/personal argument that I'm aware of... I saw no argument at all.
To my mind, the phrase "toxic principle" is an oxymoron. Also, the police would not arbitrate justice. That responsibility falls on the court system.
If you want to see what my response is founded on, scroll up to James885's post. Add in the fact that Smith was asked to leave (a privilege that would not be afforded anyone else under these circumstances) but had the hubris to respond, "no". He partied afterward as if nothing had occurred. Most importantly, Smith's action did not effect *only* Rock. The repercussions were/are much wider.
I am not calling for the police to arbitrate justice. I am suggesting that Smith *can* take responsibility for his action if he really believes what he wrote regarding his action being "inexcusable". But... everything in his behavior so far screams, "HUBRIS".
Updated On: 4/1/22 at 05:56 AM
Posted: 4/1/22 at 12:14pm
Incorrect. Will Smith has officially apologized to Chris Rock for assaulting him last night. And no, since it was towards the end of the show ratings did NOT matter. Anyone who thinks different is fooling themselves, unfortunately. He and the entire night will be tarnished forever due to his repugnant actions.
Also incorrect. Will’s publicist and manager issued that apology statement.
Updated On: 4/1/22 at 12:14 PM
