Monday, March 28, 2022

SAG-AFTRA says 'Unacceptable' after Will Smith 'slapped' Chris Rock on live Oscar telecast

The 2022 Academy Awards (ABC) aired last night on Sunday March 27, 2022.... I have not watched the award show since 2010. I woke up Monday morning to "trending" talk on social media about Will Smith.

He won the Oscar as best actor for "King Richard" (2021). That moment was over-shadowed by Will himself. Earlier in the live Oscar telecast. He walked on-stage and physically "slapped" comedian Chris Rock across the face. 

Chris was presenting an award who made a joke aimed at Will's wife Jada Pinkett Smith. TV viewers thought it was a comedy sketch at first. That was until Will can be heard screaming a "curse" word at Chris from his audience seat. Will apologized to the Academy during his winning speech. He didn't apologize to Chris directly.

The Academy sent out a statment via social media on "Twitter." They said, "The Academy condemns the actions of Mr. Smith at last night’s show."

The SAG-AFTRA union has sent out their own message about last night's incident. 

"As the union representing presenters and other performers working on the Oscars, SAG-AFTRA is focused on ensuring our members always work in a safe environment."

"Violence or physical abuse in the workplace is never appropriate and the union condemns any such conduct. The incident involving Will Smith and Chris Rock at last night's Academy Awards was unacceptable."

"We have been in contact with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and ABC about this incident, and will work to ensure this behavior is appropriately addressed. SAG-AFTRA does not comment on any pending member disciplinary process."

Click photos below for news.

(ABC News 2022. Comedian Chris Rock and Will Smith incident on live TV.).

(SAG-AFTRA logo 2022.).

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