"I Don't Want to Get Hit by Will Smith"…US Comedian Appears at Awards Ceremony Wearing a 'Helmet'

American comedian Nate Bargatze appeared on stage wearing a helmet at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony held on the 3rd (local time).
Photo by AP Yonhap News

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[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] At the '64th Grammy Awards,' an American comedian received great applause for satirizing American actor Will Smith, who recently assaulted comedian Chris Rock at the Academy Awards.

According to foreign media including the British daily The Independent on the 3rd (local time), comedian Nate Bargatze, nominated in the comedy album category at the '64th Grammy Awards' held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, appeared on stage wearing a black helmet.

The ceremony host, actress Reba Burton, introduced Bargatze by saying, "A warning to everyone. Please stay seated and keep your hands to yourself. A comedian is now coming on stage as the next presenter."

Afterwards, Bargatze went on stage wearing a large helmet, drawing laughter from the audience. He said, "People now say comedians have to wear helmets to make jokes at award shows," adding, "But (even with the helmet) my face isn't covered, and it focuses more on the places where I can be hit," mocking the situation.

On the 27th of last month (local time), Hollywood actor Will Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock (left) at the Academy Awards held in Los Angeles, USA. / Photo by Yonhap News

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Meanwhile, at the 94th Academy Awards held on the 27th of last month at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, Smith slapped comedian Rock, who made a joke about his wife (Jada Pinkett Smith) suffering from alopecia.

After a wave of criticism, Smith apologized publicly on the 28th, saying, "I want to apologize publicly. I was wrong," and added, "Violence is harmful and destructive in any form."

However, public opinion did not subside. The Academy Board held a meeting to initiate disciplinary procedures against Smith, and two days later, on the 1st, Smith voluntarily relinquished his Academy membership.

Moreover, Smith's acting career is narrowing. Recently, the American entertainment media Hollywood Reporter reported, "Netflix has delayed production of the Will Smith-starring film 'Fast and Loose.' The director position for 'Fast and Loose' has become vacant, and they are looking for a new lead to replace Will Smith. It is uncertain whether this project will continue."

Also, Smith had finished filming the Apple TV+ series 'Emancipation,' scheduled to be released this year, but Apple TV+ has remained tight-lipped about whether the series will be screened. Furthermore, Smith was preparing for 'Bad Boys 4' with Sony, but news has emerged that this too has been halted.

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