[Focus] The Academy Bruised by Mockery and Violence

[Popular Culture Focus]

Unprecedented Oscar Incident
Violence Cannot Be Justified for Any Reason
Excessive Jokes Are Mockery and Contempt
Voices of Solidarity with Ukrainian Refugees
Embracing Women, LGBTQ+, and Disabled People

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] There is a saying that even flowers should not be used to hit someone. Is there any problem in the world that can be solved with violence? On the Oscar stage, a low-level mockery was directed at a colleague's wife, and in response, a slap was delivered in anger. This unprecedented incident was broadcast live worldwide.

Comedian and actor Chris Rock attended the 94th Academy Awards (Oscars) held on the 27th (local time) at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles (LA), California, USA.

He took the stage as a presenter and, looking at the audience, spoke to Jada Pinkett Smith, the wife of actor Will Smith, who was nominated for Best Actor. "Jada, you should star in 'G.I. Jane 2'." 'G.I. Jane' is a movie where the protagonist, Demi Moore, appears with a shaved head. He made a joke referring to Jada's shaved head appearance that day.

Laughter erupted in the audience. Will Smith also laughed, showing his teeth, but Jada did not laugh. She appeared visibly uncomfortable, seemingly aware that she was being mocked.

Will Smith stood up and strode down the aisle toward the center of the stage. Chris Rock, seeing him approaching, smirked as if it were some kind of event. Laughter broke out at the scene. Suddenly, Will Smith struck Chris Rock's cheek hard. The slap was strong enough to make a 'thwack' sound.

Chris Rock, who was slapped unexpectedly, continued the proceedings. "Will Smith just hit me. He gave me a hit." The actors seated in the audience were stunned, unable to react. At that moment, Will Smith shouted angrily from the audience, "Keep my wife's name out of your mouth."

Later, Will Smith was announced as the Best Actor winner for the film 'King Richard.' Holding the trophy, he gave a tearful acceptance speech. He apologized for the earlier commotion but did not apologize to Chris Rock.

'King Richard,' which was nominated in six categories, received acclaim for its story about family love, faith, and victory set against the backdrop of sports. Will Smith, who led the film, portrayed a father protecting his daughters?remarkable women and outstanding champions?from the dangers of the slums, delivering a moving performance that made him a strong contender for Best Actor.

It was good enough. If not for the assault, Will Smith would have taken the stage to eloquently speak about the meaning of the award, delivering another emotional impact. However, all that meaning was overshadowed by his violence.

The Academy Awards is more than just an awards ceremony; it is an event where everyone laughs and enjoys a festival-like atmosphere. The after-party is also famous. After the ceremony, people toast to encourage each other for their hard work throughout the year. They congratulate the winners and eat and drink all night. On this day, Chris Rock left the Dolby Theatre without attending the party after the ceremony.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

At the Academy Awards, so-called 'American-style jokes' are commonly exchanged. They share sometimes mischievous jokes without losing dignity. But this time, it was different. Chris Rock's remarks are being perceived in the U.S. not as jokes but as 'mockery.' He crossed the line of humor.

Locally, voices are pointing out this as 'gender discrimination.' Jada Pinkett Smith revealed in 2018 that she was experiencing hair loss symptoms due to health issues. Regardless of whether it is related to health problems, whether Jada appears with a shaved head or long hair is her freedom and right. If a male actor had come with a shaved head, perhaps there would have been no jokes about a shaved-head movie protagonist. Mocking someone's appearance can become another form of hate.

Sharon Stone said, "I want to hear Chris Rock apologize to Will Smith's wife, Jada," adding, "No one should make someone's pain a laughing matter."

Some see Will Smith's angry strike as a reaction to the Hollywood gossip culture obsessed with family scandals, but it appears his anger exploded due to repeated mockery directed at his wife.

This is not the first time Chris Rock has made such jokes. The problem is that his targets of mockery have mainly been women or Asians. In 2016, at the 88th Academy Awards, as a presenter, he said, "Jada Pinkett Smith boycotted the Oscars. That's like me boycotting Rihanna's panties. Neither of us was invited." In an instant, Jada and Rihanna became targets of mockery and contempt.

Chris Rock also once brought three Asian children on stage and said, "Let me introduce three future great accountants: Mingju, Bao Ling, and David Moskowitz (Asian-style names). Please welcome them," eliciting laughter. He even joked, "If my jokes offended you, tweet about it on your smartphone. Of course, that phone was made by children (Asians)," and laughed.

Due to his continuous gaffes, Chris Rock's qualification as an Oscar presenter was questioned. Yet, the Academy kept putting him on stage. Perhaps this was predictable. Some criticize the Academy's responsibility for this incident.

Viewers worldwide witnessed a shocking assault. Will Smith's violence is a clear crime and deserves criticism. There is consensus that violence can never be justified for any reason. It is an act that disregards human dignity. However, he was not stopped at the scene.

Jim Carrey criticized, "Just because Chris Rock said something like that doesn't give you the right to get on stage and hit someone in the face." Richard Williams, the real-life figure portrayed in the movie 'King Richard,' also condemned, "Unless it is self-defense, no one should tolerate hitting another person."

The day after the ceremony, Will Smith posted an apology, saying, "I crossed the line with Chris Rock. I was wrong. I'm sorry. I want to apologize to the Academy, the show's producers, the audience, and viewers worldwide. I also want to apologize to the Williams family and my 'King Richard' family. I deeply regret that my actions stained our wonderful journey together."

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

On that day, the Academy called for solidarity with Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia. Many actors on the red carpet, including Youn Yuh-jung, wore ribbons supporting refugees to express their support.

Troy Kotsur, the first deaf male actor, won Best Supporting Actor for the film 'CODA.' The sign language interpreter who translated his acceptance speech was also shown shedding tears, and Youn Yuh-jung's announcement in sign language before the English announcement was a notable gesture.

Openly LGBTQ+ actress Ariana DeBose won Best Actress for 'West Side Story,' and Elliot Page, who transitioned to male, took the stage as a presenter for the Best Original Screenplay award.

This year, the Academy made new history again. Embracing women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities, it delivered meaningful messages. Although the event was marred by the mockery and violence between two actors, what we must remember from this year's ceremony is not just that. While the image of Will Smith and Chris Rock on the same stage was striking, it is time not to forget what is more important.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.