The Oscars 2022.

[Neilds]

Just seen the clip, reckon it was staged.

Totally agree, Smith is laughing beforehand (wife does look awkward) and Chris Rock just stands there when Smith ‘charges’ at him. Also think it is a slap rather than a punch. Good for media coverage though and everyone is bigging it up. If you heard Zoe Ball and Radio 2 this morning, you would be expecting to see a proper bar brawl and would be disappointed when you actual saw it

 

[Deleted member 15344]

You would think it was staged , the “punch” was open handed and didn’t really seemed to make much contact but Rocks reaction and then Smith afterwards pointed to it not being staged

But was it in his Richard Williams character ?‍

 

[Swango1980]

You would think it was staged , the “punch” was open handed and didn’t really seemed to make much contact but Rocks reaction and then Smith afterwards pointed to it not being staged

But was it in his Richard Williams character ?‍

Staged? PS I agree with your second sentence, my comment is a general response to a few comments on it potentially being staged.

Who's decision would that be? At a time when extreme violence is happening in Ukraine, someone decides it would be a great idea to have a much loved actor assault a comedian on stage. Then, shout obscenities at the top of his voice at him.

In terms of probability, I suspect there is next to 0% chance that the incident was staged. I cannot see any PR company would think it was a good idea. The organisers of the Oscar's surely cannot have seen it as a great idea. I can't see Chris Rock would agree to tell a pretty poor joke to instigate the staged incident, could easily be damaging to his career. And I can't see Will Smith would agree to fake assault someone on stage, and all the controversy that would create for him.

If it was staged, probably one of the worst collective ideas of all time in entertainment.

 

[hovis]

Staged? PS I agree with your second sentence, my comment is a general response to a few comments on it potentially being staged.

Who's decision would that be? At a time when extreme violence is happening in Ukraine, someone decides it would be a great idea to have a much loved actor assault a comedian on stage. Then, shout obscenities at the top of his voice at him.

In terms of probability, I suspect there is next to 0% chance that the incident was staged. I cannot see any PR company would think it was a good idea. The organisers of the Oscar's surely cannot have seen it as a great idea. I can't see Chris Rock would agree to tell a pretty poor joke to instigate the staged incident, could easily be damaging to his career. And I can't see Will Smith would agree to fake assault someone on stage, and all the controversy that would create for him.

If it was staged, probably one of the worst collective ideas of all time in entertainment.

Just watched it. It was very awkward to watch

 

[IanM]

Just seen the clip, reckon it was staged.

Me too.

If Smith was angry enough to go on stage, Chris Rock would have been on the floor!

 

[RichA]

Mee too.

If Smith was angry enough to go on stage, Chris Rock would have been on the floor!

If it was staged, would Rock not have collapsed spectacularly to the floor or at least have some kind of verbal response rehearsed?
It was just a weak punch. All arms, didn't use his core.

 

[IanM]

If it was staged, would Rock not have collapsed spectacularly to the floor or at least have some kind of verbal response rehearsed?

Probably. That too. I only saw the YouTube clip this morning. My wife also had to explain that Mrs Smith wasn't in GI Jane !!

 

[Swango1980]

Me too.

If Smith was angry enough to go on stage, Chris Rock would have been on the floor!

Even though Smith was angry, it is not all or nothing. He wanted to go on stage, and hurt/stun the guy making fun of his wife. However, I'm guessing he had enough control to stop short of a full punch to the skull, potentially permanently injuring or killing Rock. He probably also didn't fancy breaking his hand.

I saw plenty of fights when I was at school, that were definitely not staged. Yet many turned out being pushing and shoving contests.

 

[Deleted member 18645]

Wish it had been Ricky Gervais hosting .....

 

[IanM]

Maybe the time it took to walk there was sufficient for him to regain control

 

[Ethan]

I think Chris Rock deserved a slap, but Will Smith shouldn't have given him one.

 

[garyinderry]

He gave him what's known as a female dog slap to humiliate him after he did the same to his wife.

Smith isnt stupid enough to lay him out on the floor.

I'd say there is some history between them.

Rock was stupid. Smith out of order.

 

[PNWokingham]

Staged? PS I agree with your second sentence, my comment is a general response to a few comments on it potentially being staged.

Who's decision would that be? At a time when extreme violence is happening in Ukraine, someone decides it would be a great idea to have a much loved actor assault a comedian on stage. Then, shout obscenities at the top of his voice at him.

In terms of probability, I suspect there is next to 0% chance that the incident was staged. I cannot see any PR company would think it was a good idea. The organisers of the Oscar's surely cannot have seen it as a great idea. I can't see Chris Rock would agree to tell a pretty poor joke to instigate the staged incident, could easily be damaging to his career. And I can't see Will Smith would agree to fake assault someone on stage, and all the controversy that would create for him.

If it was staged, probably one of the worst collective ideas of all time in entertainment.

definitely not staged. Would have been better if she had done it and would have probably got a standing ovation

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

No excuses or need for Smith to punch/slap Rock…Smith was out of order…when so insulted or upset just ‘turn the other cheek’ and later make sure Rock knew of his wife’s upset and ask him to apologise to her.

 

[Swango1980]

He gave him what's known as a female dog slap to humiliate him after he did the same to his wife.

Smith isnt stupid enough to lay him out on the floor.

I'd say there is some history between them.

Rock was stupid. Smith out of order.

I happened to watch GMB today, and before today apparently Richard Madeley had come out and said Chris Rock was the most unpleasant person he had interviewed in his entire career. So, I suspect he runs a few people up the wrong way.

Chris Rock hosted 2016, and Jada Smith boycotted the Oscars that year due to a lack of diversity. Rock said "Jada boycotting the Oscars is like me boycotting Rihanna's panties. I wasn't invited!". He then had a dig at Will Smith for being paid $20 million for Wild Wild West. Apparently they've also exchanged words on twitter, again with Rock using Will Smith's wife as part of the punchline in his humour.

So, I can see it is understandable why Smith did what he did. I'm sure he isn't proud of it, or recommend others follow his example. I am sure there are a lot of people who are brought to the brink, lash out and instantly regret it. But, it seems clear he has probably had a few years of having little respect for Rock, and then on an evening when I am sure Smith was already nervous and tense about the awards ceremony, Rock makes fun of his wife's alopecia, something that has been a huge mental challenge for her. And he flipped, the red mist probably tell him "I'll show the world what I think of you"

 

[Depreston]

Can't have been staged surely. Why would Smith agree to take the limelight away from winning the biggest award of his career?

and the whole awkwardness of it all

 

[G1z1]

I’ve just seen it, you can’t hit a comedian for making a joke at someone’s expense. Looks bad on wills part IMO he should of laughed it off and pulled him backstage if he has a problem.

 

[greenone]

Handbags at 5 paces.

 

[Bunkermagnet]

No excuses or need for Smith to punch/slap Rock…Smith was out of order…when so insulted or upset just ‘turn the other cheek’ and later make sure Rock knew of his wife’s upset and ask him to apologise to her.

His wife has just been publically humiliated, and you think he should “turn the other cheek”?

 

[Fade and Die]

No excuses or need for Smith to punch/slap Rock…Smith was out of order…when so insulted or upset just ‘turn the other cheek’ and later make sure Rock knew of his wife’s upset and ask him to apologise to her.

Nah my wife has alopecia, anyone start using it as an excuse for a cheap laugh I’m coming in like a windmill.