Credit...Ruth Fremson/The New York Times

You saw it. I did too. It was the kind of thing that that makes your jaw drop. The slap heard round the world.

Now, just in case you’ve been in a Coma, here’s what happened. Comedian Chris Rock and actor Will Smith created world wide headlines after the comedian delivered an edgy line comparing Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head to a bald “G.I. Jane” character. In theory, Smith (53) thought the joke upset his wife, who suffers from alopecia). The actor reprised his role as Muhammad Ali and rushed the stage. He slapped comedian Chris Rock in the kisser.

Some people, including many in the audience, thought this was some kind of prank. Rock, clearly stunned, nervously tried to regain his composure. The Fresh Prince then returned to his seat and yelled (twice) “Keep my wife’s name out of your f***ing mouth” on live television (watch here). It’s the kind of thing that gives television Producers heart attacks. And, it sends future advertisers running for the exits.

Conspiracy Theory

Before the broadcast was over the interwebs were aflutter with rumors of a set up. Many opined that the incident was staged to drive ratings. Others put forward a crazier theory. Apparently Pfizer is in the final stages of gaining FDA approval for an Alopecia drug. Some thought the stunt was funded by Pfizer to draw attention to Pinkett-Smith’s medical condition. Doubtful.

Television Ratings

The simple truth is that audiences for awards shows are declining faster than the Russian ruble. Back in the late 90’s, about 50 million people tuned in to watch the show. Most of them have moved on.

That was back before the Hollywood elite decided they needed to lecture those of us in flyover country. Speeches now include angry criticism of politicians and arrogant pronouncements on matters such as climate change, animal rights and fur. Yet, many of these actors barely graduated high school. Even I agree with them, I’m not tuning in to get lectured.

The 2022 Academy Awards presentation captured a measly 16.6 million viewers. It was the second least watched and lowest rated Academy Awards in history. But, after the “slap” the interwebs went nuts. There were 22.7M Social interactions. Most were about the slap, not the actor’s performances.

Hypocrisy Abounds

It’s become less about thanking the Academy and more about raising political awareness. In 2016, Leonardo Decaprio lectured the audience on climate change. Meanwhile Leo tools around the Mediterranean on a 453 foot super-yacht. The yacht is powered by four M90 Diesel engines. They churn up the ocean with a combined 48,000 horse power. It costs $339,000 just to fill the tanks with diesel fuel. (Note the helicopter landing pad on the front deck-which allows for an easy lift off to grab a bite to eat.)

Six Minute Virtual Call

So, is this a momentary stain on the Hollywood red carpet? Or, is it something much larger? Something that will leave a permanent blemish on the red carpet and on The Fresh Prince’s career?

Wipe Your Feet

Truth be told, I’ve been on the red carpet. Those are my tux shoes (cool, huh?). And, that’s the real red carpet in Hollywood. (No, I didn’t slap anyone.)

You learn a lot when attending these things. The red carpet is more of a cheap rug. It’s short and squishy. It’s held down with duct tape. The theater is not glamorous. And, the pre-parties resemble your cousin Billy’s cash-bar wedding reception at the Marriott Courtyard in Toledo.

The Magic of Hollywood

The Producers of these awards shows use the magic of Hollywood to make the room seem “charged” and “glamorous. It isn’t. It all feels contrived. Like the fancy dining night on a cheap cruise. But the people, famous or not, are just people. I shared a urinal with Sir Richard Branson and, ironically, stood in line at the bar with Chris Rock. I even got one degree of separation from Kevin Bacon.

Yes, you are now two degrees of separation from Kevin Bacon. Courtesy of the author

The Bully Pulpit

While the Hollywood elite like to portray themselves as ordinary people, this incident points out the tremendous difference between us and them.
Can any regular human get away with such behavior? Could you slap a teacher, a judge or a church pastor because you were offended by a comment? You think on it for a minute, I’ll wait.

Only in Hollywood can a bully in a $10,000 made-to-measure, Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo storm a stage on live television and violently assault someone.

Post slap, Smith casually returned to his seat to finish his champagne? His wife chuckled while he screamed insults at the mortified Chris Rock. Watch here. It wreaked of arrogance, not to mention contempt Rock and for the other nominees in the audience.

In any other setting other than Hollywood, the LAPD would have handcuffed The Fresh Prince and hauled him to the Pokey for a bologna sandwich and a half pint of 2%.

It turns out that representatives of The Academy asked The Fresh Prince to leave the theater. He arrogantly refused, so they let him stay and enjoy his champagne-and the show.

But The Academy got the last laugh (and slap). On Friday, Smith was summoned to a virtual call with the Academy's Board of Governors. It lasted six minutes. Later that day, Smith resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. Nobody voluntarily resigns, not even The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.

Lillies of the Field

Just ten weeks ago the first African American to win the Best Actor award passed away. Sir Sidney Poitier, a man of pure poise, died in January of 2022. Since winning that groundbreaking Academy award for Best Actor, only three other black actors have won that coveted gold statue. Will Smith was the fourth. He is in good company. Apparently, they are not.

King Richard

In his acceptance speech Smith was quick to thank Richard Williams, the father of tennis stars Serena and Venus Williams. A father who dedicated his life to coaching his daughters rise to the highest ranks in the tennis world. Smith’s intemperate actions were highly disrespectful to the Williams family. See, it was their big night too.

Living on the Edge

And, what about Chris Rock? He’s a comedian. A good one. Perhaps his joke was insensitive. (You be the judge of that.) He apparently wasn’t aware of the Alopecia diagnosis. But, to be fair, comedians live on the edge. To be funny you must push the envelope.

Will Smith, a man who has done plenty of comedy, knows that. But, Chris Rock has been a literal “rock” of humility and class. He didn’t go after Smith on stage. He didn’t press charges when asked by police. He didn’t say anything. Because Chris Rock is a professional. (No matter what happens, keep smiling and deliver your material.) How ironic that Rock’s current comedy tour is entitled Ego Death World Tour 2022. Tickets are going for $1,000 each on the secondary markets.

No Safe Spaces

Sadly, there are no safe places for comedians anymore. They are constantly fearing the cancel culture and worse. For that reason, comedians routinely refuse to perform in college towns.

Now every comedian has to fear that the nutbag heckler in the third row is gonna pull a Will Smith, or a gun. He raised the stakes for them. It’s a shame.

“Pride Comes Before the Fall”

In 2002, Sir Sidney Poitier was given an honorary achievement award by The Academy. Then, just a few minutes later, history repeated itself when Denzel Washington was awarded the Best Actor award for Training Day.

Perhaps the brightest moment in the this year’s awards ceremony occurred moments after the Smith/Rock altercation. Washington, the epitome of grace and class, approached Will Smith and whispered in his ear:

"At your highest moment, be careful. That's when the devil comes for you."

Where Are We?

This whole episode makes one wonder. Is this where we are? And, if so, do you think this a symptom of a larger diagnosis in our society? I do.

The appropriate response was for Will Smith to chuckle respectfully and kiss his wife gently on her bald head.

Instead, we’ve come to a place where disrespect is the justification for violence. It’s the reason why we have so many shootings in major cities: disrespect. The crime always fits the punishment, as long as you feel disrespect. But, here’s the thing, the world doesn’t owe you a safe space. Especially if you’re a multimillionaire living in the real Bel Air. (See the irony there?)

Trigger Warnings and Safe Spaces

While there are lots of important rights in the Constitution, the right to not hear anything that offends you doesn’t exist. Expecting everyone, including comedians, to tiptoe around your sensitivities to avoid triggering you is asinine. The world is not a college campus full of trigger warnings and safe spaces.

As Bill Maher recently opined, “‘sticks and stones can break my bones’…..and if you don’t know how that ends you need to repeat Kindergarten.”

Regardless of his behavior, Will Smith has reached the pinnacle of success. He will forever be associated with names like Denzel, Cuba, Freeman and Poitier. And, he has the hardware to prove it-at least for now.

But as Matthew once wrote, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”

Will Smith has proven himself in the theater. He has mastered his art, his craft. But, he has lost his soul in the process. He’s a great actor, but he has a lot of work to do as a human being.

What do you think about Will Smith’s behavior? Should he give up the Oscar? Is he misunderstood? I’d love to hear from you. Tell me what you think, below. And, please do me a favor and forward this article to a few friends.

I’d like to say a special thanks to Sara Ann Vaughan (and her brother) and to my sister Amy Greene Smith for the inspiration to write this article.

Connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, my Facebook Group, Pinterest, Medium, Instagram, and Goodreads.

The Slap Heard Around the World (Part One)