The Academy was not the only one to condemn Will Smith’s violent reaction at the Oscars. Richard Williams, whom Smith portrays in “King Richard” and even his mother have spoken out about his behavior and condemned it.
Speaking to NBC News, Chavoita LeSane, Richard William’s son and who has been his spokesman since his 80-year-old father had a stroke, said that Richard was surprised when he heard about Will Smith’s reaction.
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“We don’t know all the details of what happened, but we don’t condone anyone hitting anyone else unless it’s in self-defense”, said LeSane.
Williams’ son declined to give any further comment about Will Smith’s reaction after Chris Roke made a joke about Jada Pinkett-Smith’s hairstyle, which is related to a condition named alopecia, something she has been struggling with and recently opened about.
Will Smith’s mother also spoke about her son’s reaction. In an interview with Philadelphia TV station 6ABC, Carolyn Smith said that she had never seen her son get so angry to the point of using violence.
“He is a very even, people person. That’s the first time I’ve ever seen him go off. First time in his lifetime … I’ve never seen him do that,” Carolyn Smith said.
After the altercation at the ceremony, Will Smith went to the stage to receive his Oscar for Best Actor and said that he did so because he was protecting his family.
On Monday the Academy condemned the use of violence and announce it was launching an inquiry into Smith’s slap of Rock during the show.
Hours later, Will Smith released a statement apologizing to Rock and saying that his behavior was unacceptable.
