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Tag: Chris Rock

  • Slapsequences: Will Smith Resigns From Film Academy

    Slapsequences: Will Smith Resigns From Film Academy

    Actor Will Smith has resigned from Hollywood’s Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, saying on Friday that his slapping of presenter Chris Rock on stage at this year’s Oscars ceremony was “shocking, painful and inexcusable.”

    “I betrayed the trust of the Academy. I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken,” Smith said in a statement.

    “So, I am resigning from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate,” he said.

    At the Oscars ceremony last Sunday, Smith strode up to the stage after Rock made a joke about the appearance of Smith’s wife, then smacked Rock across the face.

    Less than an hour later, Smith gave a tearful speech on stage as he accepted the best actor award for his role in “King Richard.”

    Rock’s joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, made a reference to the 1997 film “G.I. Jane” in which actress Demi Moore shaved her head. It was unclear whether Rock was aware that Jada Pinkett Smith has a condition that causes hair loss.

    David Rubin, president of the film academy, said on Friday that the group accepted Smith’s resignation but would continue with disciplinary proceedings that could lead to additional sanctions.-Reuters.

  • Police Were Ready To Arrest Will Smith But It Was Chris Rock Who Stopped Them

    Police Were Ready To Arrest Will Smith But It Was Chris Rock Who Stopped Them

    (Reuters) – Los Angeles police were on site and ready to arrest actor Will Smith at the Academy Awards on Sunday for slapping presenter Chris Rock, the producer of the Hollywood ceremony said on Thursday.

    The authorities did take not any action because Rock declined to press charges, producer Will Packer said, echoing what a police spokesperson said on Sunday.

    “They were saying, you know, this is battery, was a word they used in that moment,” Packer said in excerpts from an interview that will air Friday on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”

    “They said, we will go get him. We are prepared. We’re prepared to get him right now,” Packer added.

    During the live Oscars telecast, Smith strode up to the stage after Rock made a joke about the appearance of Smith’s wife, then smacked the comedian’s face.

    Less than an hour later, Smith gave a tearful speech on stage as he accepted the best actor trophy for his role in “King Richard.”

    Behind the scenes, police were discussing options with Rock, Packer said.

    Rock “was being very dismissive of those options. He was like, ‘No, no, no, I’m fine.’ And even to the point where I said, ‘Rock, let them finish,’” Packer added.

    Representatives for Rock did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

    Smith apologized to Rock, producers and viewers in a statement on Monday, saying he had “reacted emotionally”. read more

    Rock’s joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, made a reference to the 1997 film “G.I. Jane” in which actress Demi Moore shaved her head. It was unclear whether Rock was aware that Jada Pinkett Smith has a condition that causes hair loss.

    A police spokesman said Sunday night that the individual involved in the incident had declined to press charges, but did not provide details about the interactions at the awards show.