Academy Awards

[Jules]

Regarding the Will Smith vs Chris Rock thing: social media is blowing up over it. My opinion: staged!

I thought of this too. These guys are too big of names to chance something like this.

Jada obviously isn’t too distressed by her alopecia; she can afford the best of wigs. She looked sensational.

Two wrongs don’t make a right.

Earlier in the evening Will & Jada were the butt of one of three female hosts jokes (I don’t know her), (paraphrasing here ) when she was calling single men on the stage and then said Will’s name, retracted it, looked at Jada and laughed, saying he was basically available. There were probably lots of jokes aimed at others.

 

[StarSong]

Chris Rock learned - assuredly not for the first time - when you poke a bear, her husband might come up on stage and poke you right back. Cracks about Jada's battle with alopecia would be expected of a second grade class bully rather than a professional comedian, but Rock has an edgy, loose-cannon, wiseacre style. What interested me was that Will Smith laughed when Rock told the joke.

Will Smith has to be discomfited with the very public gossip and general optics of his wife's affairs. Just a couple of weeks ago at the BAFTA awards, Rebel Wilson cracked, "Personally I thought his (Will Smith's) best performance in the past year has been being OK with all of his wife's boyfriends."

All's well that ends well though. Will Smith defended Jada's honor caveman style, while generously handing Chris Rock material for a whole new standup set, plus a lifetime of don't-take-this-the-wrong-way intros: "Ok, now stay in your seats, people. Don't come up on stage to slap me up for this, but did you hear about..." The reference will always earn him some laughs.

Edited to remedy spacing and grammatical errors.

 

[Lara]

I read that it wasn't staged. Plus, I saw a video that showed his wife's reaction when it happened...not happy at all... and she doesn't seem to be the type to fake anything.

 

[StarSong]

I read that it wasn't staged. Plus, I saw a video that showed his wife's reaction when it happened and she doesn't seem to be the type to stage that.

I agree it didn't look staged. However, because Smith's reaction was so disproportionate it's clear that something bigger is going on with him.

 

[Chet]

Will Smith punching Chris Rock for a snide remark made about Smith’s wife was justifiable. It was a knee jerk reaction in defense of her honor. I have seen the same thing personally. The fact that Smith later apologized gives him the best of both worlds. He defended his wife and he came off appearing apologetic.

 

[PamfromTx]

I didn't know 99% of the younger actors. Never have been much of a Will Smith fan. As for the Jada incident, I think that Chris Rock owes her an apology. But at the same time, I felt that it was staged. What do I know?!

So, this years' Oscar's was a bit off. Sad to see Liza Minnelli ill.

Think I'll stick to watching sports.

 

[Silent Rose]

I didn't know 99% of the younger actors. Never have been much of a Will Smith fan. As for the Jada incident, I think that Chris Rock owes her an apology. But at the same time, I felt that it was staged.

So, this years' Oscar's was a bit off. Sad to see Liza Minelli ill.

Think I'll stick to watching sports.

Not sure if it was staged or not and like I said in my other post, I couldn't really get the full extent of it all other than the slap and reading the text of the joke and what was said by Chris Rock and Will Smith because I couldn't hear the actual conversing on the video. I just know there were some expletives in it.

I agree with you that Chris Rock owes Jada an apology and that is how it should have been approached by Will Smith in the first place and not the way he did. He should have after the fact asked Rock for an apology to not only his wife, but also all others in a statement who suffer from that disability. Jokes about disabilities in my opinion are very distasteful and maybe that is because I have one.

 

[Jan14]

I didn’t like Will Smiths behavior. I’ve always respected him as an actor. But on this night when he was about to receive the highest honor as an actor, this was ridiculous. Jada has chosen to embrace her alopecia and is gorgeous with or without hair. They are multi millionaires that can afford any treatment or any wig. I think he could have used some self control and handled things later. After all, he is an actor. This would be humiliating to his Jada, I would think.

 

[oldman]

It was really shocking to see Liza Minnelli. She is dealing with viral encephalitis. I know nothing about it, but see how it has ravaged Liza.

I am still healing from having encephalitis. I didn’t have the worse form, but any form is dangerous and no picnic. I have been off all medications for about 2 weeks now, with the exception of one, which I need to stay on for at least another 2 weeks. Good news is that I have been declared out of any further danger.

 

[Della]

Will Smith punching Chris Rock for a snide remark made about Smith’s wife was justifiable. It was a knee jerk reaction in defense of her honor.

Her honor? He didn't call her a slut or make reference to her extramarital affairs, he mentioned that her hair reminded him of GI Jane's. I've had hair insults all my life, it reminds people of Stevie Nicks. We were once out with another couple when the man turned around in the middle of the mall and asked me if I couldn't brush my hair. My husband didn't slap him and I definitely didn't think my honor had been besmirched.

Speaking of defending women. No one seems bothered that Will Smith shouted the F-word twice in front of all their wives, mothers and daughters. My father would have punched anyone who swore in front of his wife.

 

[Lara]

...it didn't look staged. However, because Smith's reaction was so disproportionate it's clear that something bigger is going on with him.

I agree with disproportionate and that something else must have been going on.
Maybe a previous encounter with Chris Rock or you know, there are funny drunks and angry drunks.

Maybe alcohol makes Will Smith an angry "drunk", and over-protective of his wife.
He deserved to be upset but he lacked self-control for sure.

 

[terry123]

Will Smith's wife has a medical problem that has caused her to lose her hair. The movie Chris Rock referenced was with a bald character. I have never heard Chris Rock be offensive before, but I do think this one crossed a line.

I did stand-up comedy in the 90s. I don't think Chris Rock intended anything mean, but I do think he flubbed that one and wound up being very offensive to her. It is something that happens to comedians, especially when they are pressed and trying to come up with comedy lines, under pressure.

I agree with you. He crossed a line and don't blame Will a bit for smacking him. Its not the answer but she has struggled with this for a long time and deserves more respect !

 

[Pepper]

I agree with you. He crossed a line and don't blame Will a bit for smacking him. Its not the answer but she has struggled with this for a long time and deserves more respect !

Then why did she shave her head on Instagram if she's so doggone sensitive? Why talk about your boyfriends in front of spouse & kids if she's so sensitive? Nope. Public people, especially those who constantly seek it out, are Fair Game.

 

[WhatInThe]

Wether it's staged, result of a feud or actually offended by words from a COMEDIAN to so much as stage it or pull a nasty "prank" the result is a celebrity used violence to respond to something he didn't like. But this is exactly what inner city young gang members are doing daily except they aren't slapping with an open hand they are using guns, knives etc. They are on display for the world and children to see even if a video clip on social media.

 

[Mrs. Robinson]

I did see a clip of a Chris Rock show from 2014?2016?,where hemade a derogatory comment referring to Will Smith. I think there`s some history there...

 

[OneEyedDiva]

Didn't watch, Haven't watched in decades. Stopped watching award shows long ago.

Did see the news and read some stories on actor Will Smith hitting comedian Chris Rock for a JOKE about his wife's hair. A JOKE. But then I'm thinking this is a building full of actors, writers, directors etc. A part of me thinks this could've been staged. It's free PR for the individuals involved and the telecast/ceremony itself. Either way planned or real it's poor taste/behavior no matter how one puts it.

Perhaps what you don't know is that the joke was insensitive. A friend sent me the YT video and at first I though it was a joke. Then when he cursed at him I said...well, guess not. But I didn't understand why he reacted as he did. Later my BFF told me about it and the backstory. Jada has an autoimmune disease that was causing her to lose her hair, so she shaved her head. This is an emotional thing for a woman to go through. I love Chris Rock (he's the only comedian that doesn't immediately turn me off when the cursing starts), but he hit a sore spot and I think he should have left that alone. But maybe he didn't even know the back story. My BFF said Jada didn't look too pleased when he joked about her. Will and Jada have had some serious ups and downs and he must've been very wired. Still, I wish he hadn't handled the situation the way he did. I think Chris played it off pretty well, though.

Re the OP: My BFF also told me that CODA won. I'd been seeing advertisements for it on my Roku but didn't really know what it's about. My friend said that Marlee Matland was in it. I first saw her in Children Of A Lesser God and hadn't seen her in anything in a long time.

 

[Silent Rose]

Perhaps what you don't know is that the joke was insensitive. A friend sent me the YT video and at first I though it was a joke. Then when he cursed at him I said...well, guess not. But I didn't understand why he reacted as he did. Later my BFF told me about it and the backstory. Jada has an autoimmune disease that was causing her to lose her hair, so she shaved her head. This is an emotional thing for a woman to go through. I love Chris Rock (he's the only comedian that doesn't immediately turn me off when the cursing starts), but he hit a sore spot and I think he should have left that alone. But maybe he didn't even know the back story. My BFF said Jada didn't look too pleased when he joked about her. Will and Jada have had some serious ups and downs and he must've been very wired. Still, I wish he hadn't handled the situation the way he did. I think Chris played it off pretty well, though.

Re the OP: My BFF also told me that CODA won. I'd been seeing advertisements for it on my Roku but didn't really know what it's about. My friend said that Marlee Matland was in it. I first saw her in Children Of A Lesser God and hadn't seen her in anything in a long time.

I highly suggest you watch CODA. It is an incredible film. Yes Marlee Matlin is in it as the mom to the main character who is the daughter and the only hearing character of the family. The actor who plays the dad in the movie also won the Best Supporting Actor Award last evening becoming the first ever Deaf Male actor to win an Academy Award. His name is Troy Kotsur and he was also amazing in this movie.

 

[StarSong]

I agree with you. He crossed a line and don't blame Will a bit for smacking him. Its not the answer but she has struggled with this for a long time and deserves more respect !

Sorry, but in my opinion it's never acceptable for an audience member - even one who feels targeted by a joke - to come on stage and physically assault a comedian. If you can't take the celebrity heat, stay out of the celebrity kitchen.

Will Smith's Academy Award win is far overshadowed by his foolish, impulsive behavior last night. He's fortunate that Chris Rock didn't file assault charges. Indeed, the better man in this fracas ended up being Chris Rock.

Had Will Smith sat there, rolled his eyes and let it go at that, nobody would have even remembered the joke this morning.

 

[Silent Rose]

Sorry, but in my opinion it's never acceptable for an audience member - even one who feels targeted by a joke - to come on stage and physically assault a comedian. If you can't take the celebrity heat, stay out of the celebrity kitchen.

Will Smith's Academy Award win is far overshadowed by his foolish, impulsive behavior last night. He's fortunate that Chris Rock didn't file assault charges. Indeed, the better man in this fracas ended up being Chris Rock.

Had Will Smith sat there, rolled his eyes and let it go at that, nobody would have even remembered the joke this morning.

I agree that Will Smith did not handle the situation appropriately at all and there were much better ways to handle it other than assaulting someone.

I also think that all jokes about disabilities are extremely distasteful and should never be used. This is just my opinion as I am one who has a disability.

 

[Della]

Wether it's staged, result of a feud or actually offended by words from a COMEDIAN to so much as stage it or pull a nasty "prank" the result is a celebrity used violence to respond to something he didn't like. But this is exactly what inner city young gang members are doing daily except they aren't slapping with an open hand they are using guns, knives etc. They are on display for the world and children to see even if a video clip on social media.

Yes, and those gang members will invariably tell you they were defending someone, sticking up for a fellow gang member who had been hurt the week before, or defending the honor of their girlfriend who someone called a name.

The kids are watching things like this and they're impressed with big Will Smith striding up that stage ramp to "defend" his woman. They also relate to the, "Keep her name out your mouth," line which has been used by the tough guys in many movies.

I noticed forty years ago that Mel Gibson and Charles Bronson were making strings of movies that all began with a nice mild mannered man living quietly with his wife. Then she gets killed and it's like life gave him permission to turn into the ugliest most violent person on earth. Do men secretly hope someone will kill their wife so they can break out the semi-automatic weapons and go on a rampage?

 

[Bretrick]

I think winning best picture will greatly inspire many people in the Deaf community to strive for their dreams.

 

[Silent Rose]

I think winning best picture will greatly inspire many people in the Deaf community to strive for their dreams.

I do think you are correct.

 

[hollydolly]

Yes, women are still in need of protection from their big strong men. Sigh. What an arousal. If she is so sensitive, why not wear a wig? Obviously she isn't. I thought her head looked wonderful, she is a beautiful woman. Chris Rock is a small man with a big mouth and Will Smith is a bully who needs anger management.

the fact is Will Smith and Jada Smith make their living not just from acting but especially Jada talks about her Alopecia in the media and on chat shows all the time.. and in fact makes a living using it as a subject as much as many other things about their relationship and their personal lives.

When you open yourself up to the public like that you will and should expect to be the butt of jokes and or criticism, as well as anything positive and Will Smith has been in the business long enough to know this...

Chris Rock and Will Smith were friends.. Chris made a joke not about Alopecia but about GI Jane. Will laughed, so Chris didn't believe he'd overstepped the mark with the Smiths .. but Jada for some reason took offence to it, and Will Smith took up the cudgel on her behalf, and in an appalling unprofessional act of madness, physically assaulted Chris Rock on stage...in front of viewing millions

Now it doesn't matter who you prefer between the 2.. there's a line drawn in showbiz where you sort your differences off stage... Will Smith knows this, which was the reason for his tears when accepting his Oscar, he apologised to the room.. because he knows that he was absolutely in the wrong and there's a very real possibility his career will go down the swannee.. because of it.. and to justify it as a grown man , by saying he'll do anything for love.. is just beyond belief..., but tellingly he did not apologise to the man he'd just assaulted

I for one have lost any respect that I may have had for Will Smith.. he's nothing but a violent aggressor... ..and have gained respect for Chris Rock who not only did not retaliate , but actually refused to press charges ...

 

[Pepper]

Chris Rock rocks, and he always has. Big fan since his beginnings. I'm not at all surprised on how he handled it, with humor and grace. Yes, I said that.

 

[StarSong]

Comedians make jokes and observations about the human condition. Our fears, foibles, strengths and weaknesses are all fair game.

My friend is a stand-up comic. He's told me that every audience contains people who might find some jokes personally offensive. His attitude is that people with thin skins should avoid comedy events. (He's outraged by Smith's physical response last night and fears it will spread to small comedy clubs where audience members have often had a couple of drinks too many.)

If my friend makes fun of having gained 10 lbs over the holidays he worries about being heckled (or called out Twitter) by someone with glandular issues, or a history of bulimia, anorexia or other eating disorders. Or other kinds of activists - is weight gain "showing off" because his family had more than enough to eat over the holidays while others may be struggling to buy food?

If he jokes about his occasional clumsiness or ineptitude might that be perceived as hurtful and and hateful by people with physical disabilities? When humorously describing his inability to understand cryptocurrency should he worry about people whose family members have cognitive limitations?

As for last night - celebrities are going to be the butt of jokes. They receive a lot of money and plenty of perks to compensate.

Will Smith blew it. Instead of being amiable and letting the not-so-funny joke fall flat, he created international headlines as a macho sorehead and unintentionally offered himself up as the source of many future punchlines.

When Arnold Schwarzenegger was being skewered by the "pump you up" sketches on SNL, instead of going nuclear he made a guest appearance showing he could laugh at himself. Ditto Barbra Streisand with the "like buttah" Coffee-Talk bits on SNL. She happened to be doing a Radio City Music Hall event (across the street from the SNL studio) on a night that she learned was going to feature one of the skits. She walked into the skit as a surprise appearance, completely flooring the three cast members on stage doing the bit.

Marlee Matlin did a hilarious guest star turn on Seinfeld poking fun at the humorous aspects of being deaf in a hearing world. As a Grammy presenter Stevie Wonder opened the winner revealing envelope and turned it toward the cameras, laughing that the audience couldn't read it because they didn't know braille. He's known for his sense of humor, including pranking friends by making them think he's planning to drive them somewhere.

These people are good sports. Mr. Smith should take it down a few notches and learn from them.