Photo: Amy Sussman/Getty
The producer of the 94thAcademy Awardsis opening up aboutWill SmithsmackingChris Rock, saying that it was “a very painful moment” to witness.
Will Packer, 47, who served as producer forthe Oscars, received criticism for the initial tweet he posted shortly afterSmith hit Rock following the comedian’s jokeaboutJada Pinkett Smith’sshaved head during the ceremony Sunday night.
“Welp… I said it wouldn’t be boring #Oscars,” PackerwroteSunday night.
A social media user called out Packer for the tweet and told him, “Making jokes about an assault that happened during your show isn’t the congratulatory message you think it is”
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In response, Packer shared his “transparent” thoughts on the incident.
“Black people have a defiant spirit of laughter when it comes to dealing with pain because there has been so much of it,” hewrote. “I don’t feel the need to elucidate that for you.”
Packer added, “But I also don’t mind being transparent and say that this was a very painful moment for me. On many levels.”
Duringthe Oscarsceremony, presenter Rock, 57, made the joke about Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, which she recently opened up about, revealing it was a result of heryears-long struggle with alopecia.
“I know to do what we do you gotta be able to take abuse; you gotta be able to have people talk crazy about you,” theFresh Prince of Bel-Airalum continued. “In this business you gotta be able to have people disrespecting you, and you gotta smile and pretend like that’s okay.”
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Smith then addressed the incident directly, offering an apology to the Academy and his fellow actors for the incident — but failed to mention Rock.
In a statement shared Monday afternoon,the Academy “condemn[ed]” Smith’s “actions”.
“The Academy condemns the actions of Mr. Smith at last night’s show. We have officially started a formal review around the incident and will explore further action and consequences in accordance with our Bylaws, Standards of Conduct and California law.”
In addition, the Academy shared the organization’s Standards of Conduct that “provide an ethical framework for Academy members.” “Members should act in a manner consistent with the good reputation of the Academy,” the Academy stated.
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As listed in the document, unacceptable conduct includes “physical contact that is uninvited and, in the situation, inappropriate and unwelcome.”
source: people.com
