In a very confusing bit, Will Smith and Chris Rock have just given millions what might pass into history as one of the most awkward and most reprehensible moments in Oscar (and probably live television) history.
Chris Rock took the stage to present the award for Best Documentary (Feature) and decided it was a great moment to crack a couple of jokes about some of the celebrity guests. The first one was well-received by the targets Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem on how the latter was secretly hoping he didn’t win the Oscar just in case Cruz didn’t win. It was a funny and safe joke, the coming one wasn’t.
Chris Rock then moved on to say a joke that was simply of very poor taste. He told Jada Pinkett-Smith he couldn’t wait to se G.I. Jane 2, to what Will Smith jumped to the stage to punch the comedian on the face. Not believing if Smith was joking Rock tried to keep his cool but the nominated actor went back to his chair and screamed “keep my wife’s name out of your f***ing mouth.”
So, why was Will Smith so angry about the joke? Only this past December Jada Pinkett-Smith opened up on social media to talk about how it was to endure alopesia and how hard it had been to her although she was working hard to “be friends”. That’s the reason why she has been seen in public with a bald head. Rock, took the reference of the G.I. Jane movie since in the first one Demi Moore was seen with a bald head as well.
Now, mocking something for a medical condition they have no control over is low, but reacting with violence is as bad as it comes. Not only did both disrespect the winner of the category that was being awarded but they also proved that we haven’t learned something about toxic masculinities? It’s clear that Will and Jada are in all their right to be angry but resorting to violence isn’t the solution. Also, he was so mad that he was seen during the break being calmed by Denzel Washington and Smith’s rep.
Also, the next presenter, Diddy simply said “Will and Chris, we’re going to solve that like family. Right now we’re moving on with love. Everybody make some nose.” Minutes after, Will Smith won his first award in his career, and apologized the Academy and his fellow nominees for his behavior.
