Will Smith Flap: The Fake Hollywood Clap After The Real Hollywood Slap
Hollywood Seems To Love Will Smith For Assaulting Chris Rock
Slap! Clap! Flap! It’s all we’re collectively talking about lately. Inflation and the Ukraine/Russia war has taken a backseat limelight for many. The world’s gone down right slap happy, indeed. Actor Will Smith slapped the crap outta Chris Rock, went on to collect his Best Actor Oscar for the film, King Richard, partied the night away. Now most everyone resents him for the violent spectacle.
Bravo, Mr. Smith! You perform admirably in real life. Well, kinda sorta. I mean how many of us wouldn’t also physically assault a respected colleague in front of millions of shocked viewers after a mild joke about our partner’s appearance?
After all, they were just words, right? Sticks and stones…
It’s become something of a cultural touchstone. By now, we all know how it went down - comedian and Oscar presenter Chris Rock made a bald joke about Jada Pinkett Smith - Smith’s wife - and though Smith laughed heartily at first, the result had him storming the stage and assaulting the popular comedian.
Smith subsequently resigned from the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences or good old AMPAS. Smith’s team claims he patiently awaits disciplinary action. Huh? What else can AMPAS do or force Smith’s hand to do? Take his Oscar away? Ban him from Oscar ceremonies? Put a big scarlet letter on him warning all who approach that bald jokes begat slap fests?
Pretty ponderous points to ponder, however, let’s discuss thunderous clapping. You know, Hollywood celebrating an assault. A clap facade comes after a real slap crap. This involves Hollywood supporting Will Smith - after Chris Rock was a humiliated victim in front of several hundred million stunned viewers around the globe.
To call stars and starlets gathered to see a fellow Hollywood elite collect a shiny bald guy, then get behind a four decade vet whose made billions wallop and humiliate (threaten) one of their own - whose star is near as brilliant - cowards is plain obvious.
In the words of superstar Jim Carey - sickening. I’ll let Jim explain:
“I was sickened by the standing ovation. Hollywood is just spineless en masse, and it really felt like it was a clear indication that we aren't the cool club anymore.”
Carrey gave this searing condemnation to CBS talk show host, Gayle King, talking up the incredibly disturbing incident. We all know Hollywood is never the keeper of the independent minded flame, but this has gotta be one of the most embarrassing and shocking moments in recent Oscar memory.
Carey continued his conversation with King, “You do not have the right to walk up on stage and smack somebody in the face 'cause they said words."
Many may not realize the Rock/Smith brouhaha boiled over after years of tension. Back in 2016, Rock hosted the Oscars alone and proceeded to roast both Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith. Some may even consider what he said back then even more antagonizing than his GI Jane bald joke. Rock basically took shots at Smith’s ability to carry a big, profitable movie (Wild, Wild West) and he cheapened Jada’s Hollywood reputation by calling her simply a TV star who shouldn’t even be attending the Oscars.
“I was like, ‘Isn’t she on a TV show?’ Jada’s gonna boycott the Oscars? Jada boycotting the Oscars is like me boycotting Rihanna’s panties. I wasn’t invited!”
Not nice of Rock, of course, even nauseatingly naughty, but deserving of physical assault? Nah. I don’t think so.
In the end, it’s advisable to mull over Jim Carey’s powerful analysis, “You do not have the right to walk up on stage and smack somebody in the face ‘cause they said words.” Will Smith’s apology and his Academy resignation tell us he vigorously agrees with his comic colleague. And all of Hollywood - especially those who clapped so heartily after the slap - should do some soul searching. Oh, I know, maybe they’ll just do what they do best - make a movie out of the whole damn thing!