Will Smith remains a trending topic weeks after him slapping Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star has been the subject over many conversations and critical think pieces analyzing his decision. Now, his friend and former collaborator, DJ Jazzy Jeff, is giving his opinion.
The DJ says his friend had a lapse of judgement
Jeff has watched the reaction to his longtime friend and finds it unfair. He spoke about it publicly while chatting with WGCI Morning Show’s Kyle Santillian, at Dorian’s Through The Record Shop.
In a short video clip posted on social media, Jeff said of Smith’s Oscar controversy, “it was a lapse of judgment, and I think the thing that I realized is I don’t know too many people that has had the least amount of lapse of judgment than him.”
Additionally, Jeff says Smith has been under scrutiny for the duration of his career thus far and has never reacted. “I can name 50 times where he should’ve smacked the s–t outta somebody, and he didn’t. So for him to have a lapse of judgment, he’s human. I think a lot of the criticism comes from the people who don’t think people that that are human.”
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Will Smith accepts the Academy’s 10-year ban
In the aftermath of the slap seen around the world, the Academy opened an official investigation into Smith’s actions. Before they came to a conclusion, Smith issues three apologies: one onstage while accepting his award for Best Actor for his work in King Richard, another on Instagram, and final when he announced his resignation from the Academy and rescinded his membership.
Still, the Academy has placed a 10-year ban on Smith from attending the Oscars. Despite such, Smith can be nominated and even win awards within that time period. Smith says he accepts the consequences. The Academy also noted that calls from industry insiders to take back Smith’s Oscars were declined considering other awardees’ more severe and criminal actions, i.e. Roman Polanski, and their ability to keep their honors.
