Debating the slap (you know which one)

by Caleb Lubbers–This year’s Academy Award show was action-packed. Literally.

It all unfolded after Chris Rock, a comedian presenting an Oscar, made a joke at the expense of Jada Pinkett Smith’s lack of hair. Immediately after this, her husband, actor Will Smith, climbed on stage and slapped Rock before returning to his seat.

Following the slap, Rock was at a loss of words. Smith started yelling expletives at the comedian and told him to, “keep my wife’s name out of your f***ing mouth.”

Just a short while later, Smith won the Academy Award for Best Actor. In his acceptance speech, he failed to make any mention of the incident and did not apologize to Rock.

“The slap heard around the world,” as it since has been dubbed, has elicited deep and emotional reactions from many, including students right here at Morningside. 

Some claim the situation was staged to get more attention directed toward the Academy Award show, which has seen its viewership ratings decline over the past few years. No proof exists at this time to support this claim, however.

Garrett Anderson, a junior, said, “As the Oscar numbers keep dwindling, it’s of no surprise to see such an orchestrated-like event. For the sake of the Academy and its reputation, I sure hope it’s not staged.”

However, those who believe the slap and the fallout since has been genuine, have divided into two camps: Team Chris Rock and Team Will Smith.

Chandler Todd, a sophomore, said, “It’s a disaster. You have to defend comedians. Smith should be arrested, and his Oscar should be taken away from him immediately.”

Matt Hanner, a junior, said, “It was a joke, and not even his best joke, to be honest. Chris Rock could’ve ruined Smith’s career but he held back.”

Still, others concede the joke was not in the best taste, but affirm the slap was a disproportionate response.

Christian Leonard, a sophomore, said, “I understand why Smith was so upset with what Rock said. However, assaulting someone over words has never been okay.”

Smith has since apologized in an Instagram post, stating, “I was out of line, and I was wrong.”

The Academy condemned Smith’s actions and has opened an investigation into the incident.