The professionalism and composure shown by comedian Chris Rock after being slapped by Will Smith on the Oscars stage kept the ceremony going, the event’s producer said in an interview aired Friday. .
“It was because Chris handled that moment with elegance and poise that we were able to continue the show,” Will Packer told ABC television.
After being slapped, the comedian had quickly chained, presenting as expected the trophy for best documentary. He then preferred to play appeasement, refusing to file a complaint against Will Smith that the police were ready to arrest for his gesture.
“It kind of allowed us to continue the show, which we wanted to do,” said Will Packer.
“I’m still digesting”
The Academy of Oscars has launched disciplinary proceedings against Will Smith and assured that he was asked to leave the room after the slap but that the actor refused.
Will Smith has since publicly apologized to Chris Rock and the Academy of Oscars, saying his behavior had been “unacceptable and inexcusable”.
Chris Rock spoke on the subject for the first time on Wednesday evening, shortly after arriving on stage for a show in Boston. “I’m still digesting what happened. So at some point I’m going to talk about this stuff. And it will be serious and funny,” he said.
AFP