It seems almost every Hollywood celebrity has had something to say Will Smith slaps Chris Rock at this year’s Oscars ceremony at this point. Some came to the star’s defense, while others accused him of punching the famous comedian. Interestingly, many other rock comedians like Steve Harvey and Tiffany Haddish provided particularly strong thoughts. on the Situation Now, the daughter of stand-up legend Richard Pryor has weighed.
Rain Pryor knows better than anyone when it comes to the idea of comics expressing themselves on stage. His father was considered a pioneer in his day for the use of brutal humor and harsh social commentary in his acts. So what do you think about Rock being slapped after making a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith at the Oscars? Well, the former comedian told al PEOPLE every day podcast who has already met Rock and Will Smith, calling them “really good”. However, he said he felt sorry for Rock before explaining him his thoughts on the situation:
I feel devastated for Chris, and for me, it was less about comedy and more about an interpersonal relationship that we will never know existed because we don’t live with them. But he’s become the center of the comedy because Chris Rock is who he is, and that’s what happened to him. Chris will keep telling his jokes because he’s funny and he’s smart. Comedy is not dead.
The President alum angered Will Smith by handing out the Best Documentary Award. During his opening, the comedian joked that he was looking forward to seeing Jada Pinkett Smith in a Gi-Jane followed, referring to her shaved head (a style choice stemming from her alopecia). Therefore, Steve Harvey called slapping a “punk” movement. from Smith and said she “lost a lot of respect” for him. comedian Jim Carrey said he was “sick” for the applause Smith received after winning his Oscar and said he would sue him if he was slapped. Ricky Gervais also criticized the situation , saying there was nothing “bad” or unflattering about the joke. Conversely, Tiffany Haddish expressed support for her, saying it “meant a lot” to her to see “a black man standing up for her wife.”
Since the incident happened, many actors in the comedy world have expressed concern about the ramifications the situation could have in the future. Some argue it could set a precedent for others to take the stage and attack the comedians mid-stage. One such situation occurred when Dave Chappelle was attacked on the stage of the Hollywood Bowl, where Chris Rock made a joke in the middle of the ordeal . This apparently has fueled the argument that comedians are constantly being “dampened” as part of the culture of cancellation. During the same interview, Rain Pryor also shared her thoughts on this notion:
You know, we are in this weird time in this moment where everyone is on the edge. I think many actors have the impression that they are faced with “silence”. so for me [the furor around the slap] it’s just normal given the way the world works and the way everything is politicized right now.
Many would agree that comics should be careful when discussing certain topics. However, others will say it’s their job to keep up with the times and produce material that doesn’t seem fueled by malevolence. This is a complex discussion and will likely persist for the foreseeable future.
However, Rain Pryor shares some sensible thoughts here and takes note of a key point: The comedy won’t end with Will Smith’s Oscar slap. The art form will continue as artists seek to live up to the legacy of their famous father and others who preceded them.
Source: Cinemablend
Benjamin Smith is a fashion journalist and author at Gossipify, known for his coverage of the latest fashion trends and industry insights. He writes about clothing, shoes, accessories, and runway shows, providing in-depth analysis and unique perspectives. He’s respected for his ability to spot emerging designers and trends, and for providing practical fashion advice to readers.
