By Nichollas Plucker
During the 2022 Oscars Award Ceremony, actor and comedian Chris Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith being ,”G.I. Jane.” This resulted in Will Smith getting up from his seat and going on stage to then slap Chris Rock live on television. It has been stated, around last year, that Jada Smith had announced that she had shaved her head after struggling with Alopecia.
This televised incident had started discussion surrounding the two celebrities; even among some of the students at Vol State Community College.
“No, I don’t think it was staged and I honestly feel like it was unnecessary. I don’t feel like it was the right thing to do. I felt as if he had enough of a relationship with them to even joke about the matter and I felt as if Will Smith should have addressed him in private about the situation, simply because of what the event was,” said Volunteer State Community College student, Quentin Cane.
“I don’t know if it was staged or not, but the joke was kind of hardcore because she has a condition. So, if it wasn’t staged, I feel like it makes sense that he went up there and slapped him. Just a little bit,” said Vol State student Miyaunna Cason.
“I personally think that it was staged, I saw a couple of pictures going around and it looked like Chris Rock had a padding on his face and also I don’t believe that Chris Rock would have stood there and let that happen,” said Vol State student Jaylan Clemmons.
“I think that it wasn’t staged, and it was a real thing. He said something that was pretty offensive, I feel. It was just so crazy to see it,” said Vol State Student Lauren Block.
“Well given how Smith reacted and the grammar he used; I’m going to say no. I don’t think it was staged, I can understand why others will have the implication that it might be because everyone is talking about the Oscars, which no one has really done for quite several years. So, I can understand why people think it’s staged,” said Vol State student, Bryce Eaton when asked about the slap.
“That is the interesting part, because on the one hand, yeah Rock went a little far with his joke, but then again, he is a comedian. People who know comedians are going to understand that they’re going to make a couple of personal jabs, but I feel like he went a little too personal, especially if he knew that it was a sensitive topic for her. If he didn’t know it’s on him,” said Eaton.
Shortly after the incident, Will Smith posted a blanket apology on his social media accounts.
“Violence in all its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are a part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally.
I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line, and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.
I would also like to apologize to the Academy, the producers of the show, all the attendees and everyone watching around the world. I would like to apologize to the Williams Family and my King
Richard Family. I deeply regret that my behavior has stained what has been an otherwise gorgeous journey for all of us. I am a work in Progress,” said Smith
Since Smith’s apology he has officially resigned from the Oscars Academy. It is worth noting that one does not need be a member of the academy in order to be nominated or receive an Oscar according to the official Academy website.
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