Will Smith At The Oscars Is Rich Privilege On Display

Have you seen that viral clip of Will Smith smacking Oscar host Chris Rock for making a joke about his wife?

The act has left many people divided.

One, Jada Smith is suffering from Alopecia a condition that leads a person to lose their hair. She has opened up about her struggles with it on several occasions in the past.

At the Oscars, Chris Rock took a jab at Jada Smith's bald head. From available footage, at first, the Smiths who were seated front row even though reluctantly, seemed to laugh at the joke.

But on seeing his wife visibly upset moments after, Will Smith stood up and went on stage to confront Chris Rock. He slapped him, then walked back to his seat where he let out a warning to the host.

"Keep my wife out of your fucking mouth."

Chris Rock who is visibly embarrassed and in shock agrees to it. And like the professional he is, continues with the show.

Opinions

Many have voiced that Will Smith was right to defend his wife. She is after all suffering and he needed to stand up for her.

Others even called the act sexy. Adding that a man defending his woman's honour is very appealing. They even voiced that more men should take cues from Smith. That such men were becoming an endangered species.

Many were quick to condemn Will Smith however. Taking jabs at celebrities at the Oscars is what hosts do they pointed. The Smiths who have probably laughed at jokes about other celebrities at such ceremonies should have swallowed the bitter pill and moved on.

Other opinions condemned Will Smith's acts of violence and profanity. Especially at such a prestigious occasion that was also being broadcasted live to millions globally.

On this point, many praised Chris Rock for his professionalism and composure at the act of physical aggression towards him. He even tried to lighten the moment by attempting to joke about it.

Other opinions however were quick to point out that comedians had in recent times turned into bullies. And that Chris Rock deserved what he got. They added that it should be a lesson to other comedians who have also turned their comedy into avenues of mocking, insulting, gaslighting, dismissing, vilifying and labelling others.

Oscar win

A few minutes after this act of aggression, Will Smith received an Oscar for his role in King Richard. He gave a tearful speech vocalising that he wanted to be an ambassador for love, care and concern.

He also apologised to the Academy citing the words of wisdom Denzel Washington had shared with him moments earlier.

The fact that he was quick to apologise was praised by many. He allowed his hurt, anger and pride to cool down enough to publicly aknowlege his mistake.

It's good to note though that Smith did not apologise to Chris Rock whom he had just hit.

Was he truly remorseful or was it the facade of crocodile tears and PR on display?

Rich privilege

Whichever way you look at it, Will Smith's actions at the Oscars and the reactions to it is rich privilege on display.

Had it been just a random person that had hit a host at the Oscars, maybe a server working the night, a cleaner, a seat filler or any other person other than one of Will Smith's calibre, truth is they would have been quickly manhandled, handcuffed and transported to the nearest police cells awaiting arraignment.

A simple heckling from such a person would not have been tolerated even.

Smith however, got awarded minutes after committing an assault in front of the whole world. They even gave him a platform to express himself.

If that is not a thing fortune and fame affords you, then I don't know…

Repercussions

It's unclear what the repercussions for Smiths' actions will be moving forward.

The short notice between the assault and his win could not have allowed for a proper decision to be made by the officials.

Security at the event also would not have expected a celebrity to physically hurt another. It's almost unheard of. That's probably why the altercation happened to completion.

There is a chance that as a result of his actions, Will Smith's win might be revoked.

He could even be barred from attending future ceremonies, and be blacklisted from future jobs etc.

Chris Rock could even file charges against him. Or he could forgive and move on. Probably even find material for his future jokes from this episode.

There are many ways to look at Will Smith's actions at the Oscars.

But the fact his, his rich privilege played and will play a big role in the reactions moving forward.