Response Against Will Smith’s Oscar Slap Was Inadequate, Says Academy President

Everyone knows about the infamous slap Will Smith landed on Chris Rock’s face during the last Oscars ceremony. The comedian had a very civil reaction to the situation that emerged from a harmless joke that was taken too seriously by Will Smith. However, for obvious reasons, the academy did not have a similar response. That same day Smith was awarded Best Actor for his role as Richard Williams, the father of Serena and Venus Williams, who raised the two women to be at the top of their individual games. Now, the actions taken against Smith are being called inadequate.

Statement By Academy President

The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences was responsible for holding Will Smith accountable for his shameful and outrageous actions. The infamous slap was televised all over the world live and was delivered in front of the entire academy. Naturally, harsh responses should have followed. However, Smith was merely banned from ever attending the Oscars again for 10 years.

The new president of the academy Janet Yang addressed everyone at the luncheon remembering the awful days and the events that followed:

“As I’m sure you all remember we experienced an unprecedented event at the Oscars,” she said. “What happened on stage was wholly unacceptable and the response from the organization was inadequate. We learned from this that the Academy must be fully transparent and accountable in our actions and particularly in times of crisis.”

The Oscars are known for having some controversial elements to them. Before Smith and Rock, there was the infamous mixup for Best Picture between Moonlight and La La Land. Some accuse the academy of purposefully insinuating controversial events to make things a tad bit more entertaining. However, Chris Rock, who got slapped on stage, and Will Smith, who basically committed career suicide in front of millions of people, would not quite agree with the statement. Of all things that could be staged, this would be the most tragic to have ever been proposed if it were so.

“We must act swiftly, compassionately, and decisively for ourselves and for our industry. You should and can expect no less from us going forward,” said Yang. “We are committed to maintaining the highest of standards while creating the changes we wish to see in our industry.”

The Incident And The Apology

So what really happened? The comedian Chris Rock was the gracious host of the Oscars ceremony. He was doing his bit talking about various films and actors when he made the now immortal G.I. Jane joke. Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, suffers from a condition called Alopecia, a condition where the patient happens to lose all their hair. The unscripted joke, of course, did not sit very well with either of the actors. Pinkett Smith was seen scowling a moment later, and that was when Will Smith walked up to the comedian on the stage and slapped him. For a second, everyone thought it was a part of the joke. Unfortunately for Smith and Rock, it wasn’t.

Days later, Smith took to his very popular Instagram page to express his regret:

“Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable,” the actor wrote. “I deeply regret that my behavior has stained what has been an otherwise gorgeous journey for all of us.”

While the issue has now been resolved, the response to it is still not considered adequate enough. Now, Smith has seen a shattering loss in the number of supporters he used to entertain. Chris Rock never pressed charges, but in the court of public opinion, Smith has been executed.