Letters to the Editor – March 29, 2022

The Problem: Will Smith beats Chris Rock at the Oscars for making a joke about his wife.

As if I needed another reason not to watch the Oscars live on Sunday night, Will Smith protested a joke made by Chris Rock about Smith’s wife by slapping Rock in the mouth (“Best Smacktor”, 28th March).

Good thing Ricky Gervais didn’t present.

Then later, at the cheapest moment of the evening, Smith used the platform of winning the Best Actor award to tearfully draw analogies to “defending his family,” as did “King” Richard Williams.

Where was the security? The LAPD has offered to start a criminal investigation. The academy must now decide whether to vacate Smith’s prize.

Sometimes spoiled celebrities are issued a pass for unacceptable behavior. It’s only possible that we’re watching Smith dissolve in real time.

Dennis Kerbis

Staten Island

Often, out of ignorance, we can speak about things we know nothing about. That was Chris Rock’s experience at the Oscars on Sunday night.

Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, has bravely battled a very obvious physical deficit – namely hair loss, or alopecia. Smith knows all about it and the struggles his children’s mother went through.

What seemed like a “funny” joke was actually the final straw for Smith.

Although Rock may have been somewhat ignorant with his inappropriate jokes, Smith was not entirely innocent of his violent response.

Given some previous “bad feelings” between the two, I think the first one to apologize puts an end to the argument.

Leon O’Chruadhlaoich

Youghal, Ireland

In their crazy liberal world, the Oscars hierarchy has a hard time blaming the culprits Chris Rock/Will Smith Incident.

Was Rock wrong because he was so in demand as a comedic host? Was Smith wrong to defend his wife’s honor despite visibly laughing at the ‘offensive’ joke? In short – who cares?

Joe Schulok

The Bronx

Smith at the Sunday Oscars perfectly embodies our contemporary “society” where being rich, famous and/or powerful means there are no rules to follow and no consequences for behavior that is unacceptable to almost everyone .

What an ugly episode for the industry and our country to have this show aired out into the world.

Where was security, and why wasn’t Smith escorted out of the building immediately after his outrageous physical assault? Why was Smith still allowed to receive an award?

This example will be difficult to explain to children. Or maybe that’s the lesson for today: Parents no longer need to teach the golden rule or basic politeness. Just make sure your kids only aspire to be rich, famous, or powerful, and then maturity, manners, and responsibility are no longer required.

Sherry Laue

Manhattan

Smith should have been immediately removed from the Oscars after slapping Chris Rock. The celebrity double standard was clearly at play.

Rock has every right to charge Smith with criminal assault and sue him. But because Smith is a bigger star than rock and a moneymaker for Hollywood, we won’t see that.

Edward Caroll

Ortley Beach, New Jersey

Smith grew up in the Delaware Valley in the West Philadelphia area. We who live in the city of brotherly love have always viewed him as a person idealized for his excellence and noble qualities in the entertainment industry.

Yes, it is considered admirable when a man defends his wife’s honor. And there’s a subtle difference between comedy and real situations, as Rock and Smith both know.

The slap was really an unexpected occurrence.

Wayne Williams

Camden, NJ

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