My post on Monday was on the impact of the incident to the Oscarcast and purposely not a discussion of the merits of the slap.
But today, let me weigh in like everyone else. (And thanks for all the comments yesterday.)
I agree with those who said Will Smith should have been removed from the building.
Violence should not be condoned. And just because you’re a celebrity doesn’t give you license to not play by society’s rules. Same goes for sexual assault or throwing a full can of Coca Cola at a producer’s head because you didn’t like a joke (Yes, Bret Butler, I’m talking about you).
In watching the clip again (and again and again), Smith laughed originally and then saw that his wife was pissed. But his initial response was telling.
I love how some people are outraged at this violence but seem to be okay with the January 6 insurrection.
Some are saying they should take away Smith’s award. I don’t think that’s necessary. It’s already tainted. And might as well let him have it since he will never win another thing ever. Just throw him out of the Academy if they want to be punitive. He’s probably destroyed his career, so that's sort of a punishment.
The Academy came out with a statement that they “condemn” his action. Oooh, they’re really sticking their necks out. They will “formally review” the incident. So the bullshit continues. They maintain there was talk of removing Smith but that the decision makers were all in different parts of the audience and couldn’t mobilize in time. What a crock of shit that is. You don’t need a committee. You need the president of the Academy saying “Have security escort him out of the building. Now!”
SAG/ AFTRA also condemned him. If SAG/AFTRA wants to right any wrongs they should fix their own health insurance plan that screws over its members. Work on that awhile.
Enough people now hate Smith that he’s Hollywood’s next Mel Gibson.
I agree that Chris Rock’s joke was a cheap shot.
If you’re a celebrity — especially now with social media where everyone with a Twitter account can become an Oscar host — you better develop a thick skin.
The reality is the only real laughs award show hosts get these days is from cheap shots. It’s encouraged. That Ricky Gervais hosted the Golden Globes more than once, that’s all you need to know.
(What if Will Smith hit Ricky Gervais? Would the reaction be different???)
So where do you draw the line? When half the audience is offended by anything and the other half is angry and offended by nothing?
Of all the truly despicable people in the world — people who want to destroy the world, destroy Democracy, all for their own personal gain and quest for power — you’re going to hit a comedian?
Now comedians are worried this is going to become a thing. No, I don’t think comedy club audiences are going to start beating up on the stand-ups. Unless you’re Will Smith you go to jail and it costs you a lot of money you can't afford. As a general note — you can’t just start smacking people.
Ratings were up marginally. 15 million instead of 10 — the second lowest rated Oscarcast ever. Compare that to 1988 when TITANIC won. 55.3 million viewers.
To me, an even sadder moment was seeing Liza Minelli and the horrible shape she’s in. Truly heartbreaking. Kudos to Lady Gaga for handling the situation with class and compassion.
Let's see... anything else? I can't think of... oh wait. Yes. Congratulations to the winners.
from By Ken Levine
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