Although the OSCARS happened on Sunday, the highly controversial altercation between Will Smith and Chris Rock has taken center stage and continues to be discussed today. While making a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith shaving her head, Rock was struck by Will Smith. With sides being picked and the Academy Awards launching an investigation into the incident, actor and comedian Jim Carrey has also weighed in, claiming, “I was sickened. I was sickened by the standing ovation. Hollywood is just spineless en masse and it really felt like this is a really clear indication that we aren’t the cool club anymore.” 

Speaking with Gayle King on “CBS Mornings”, Carrey noted that he was also shocked when Rock decided not to press charges. “I’d have announced this morning that I was suing Will for $200 million because that video is going to be there forever, it’s going to be ubiquitous. That insult is gonna last a very long time. If you want to yell from the audience and show disapproval or say something on Twitter [, that’s OK, but] you do not have the right to walk up onstage and smack somebody in the face ‘cuz they said words.”

After King suggested the altercation escalated, Carrey fired back, “It didn’t escalate, it came out of nowhere because Will has something going on inside him that’s frustrated.” The actor added, “I wish him the best, I really do … He’s done great things. But that was not a good moment. It cast a pall over everybody’s shining moment. It was such a selfish moment that cast a pall over the whole thing.”

Not only mentioning the effect it had on the industry, Carrey focused on the people who had worked so hard to get there. Knowing the dedication and commitment it takes to garner even a chance to walk on that stage can be almost impossible, he stated they were truly hurt by the actions as their success was shadowed by such a cowardice act. 

Smith eventually apologized in an Instagram post for his actions. “Jokes at my expense are a part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally. I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.”

Too little too late, Will.

 

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