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Here’s How People Reacted To Will Smith Slapping Chris Rock During The Live Oscars Broadcast (40 Posts)
"CODA" has won best picture at the 94th Academy Awards but it's not what people are talking about after the ceremony.
The center of attention is the physical altercation between Will Smith and Chris Rock that took place after the comedian made a joke about Will's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
When the actor returned to his seat, he threw a tirade of f words at Rock who was visibly stunned by the exchange, but managed to keep it professional and continued on with his presentation.
The incident baffled the audience and viewers alike, and many are trying to figure out if it was part of the show or not.
Watch the exact moment Will Smith went on stage to smack Chris Rock for making a joke about his wife
Image credits: REUTERS
After the awards show ended, the Academy of Motion Pictures issued a statement on Twitter
Image credits: TheAcademy
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Raena Celis 3 years ago
Yes! Respect to this husband! The world is cruel, but we can't go smacking anyone who offends us
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Reportedly, the conflict was not staged nor was it part of the show. It occurred after Rock pointed out Jada Pinkett Smith in the crowd and said, "Jada, I love ya. G.I. Jane 2, can't wait to see it," referring to her bald head.
At first, Will Smith appeared to be laughing but Jada, who was diagnosed with alopecia in 2018 and has been vocal about her struggles about not being able to grow her hair, rolled her eyes at the joke and Will then walked up to Rock on stage and smacked him.
About 40 minutes later, Smith won the Academy Award for best actor for his performance in King Richard, the father of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams. He referenced the moment while accepting it.
"Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his family," Smith said.
"I've been called on in my life to love people and to protect people, and to be a river to my people. I know to do what we do, you got to be able to take abuse. And have people talk crazy about you. People disrespect you and smile like it's OK."
#6
RaroaRaroa 3 years ago
Security should have been called to escort him out. They would have in a less privileged environment.
#8
Péter Rózsahegyi 3 years ago
The guy who makes a joke on somebody's illness is not a comedian but an insensitive jerk.
#9
RadiatorAnkleSpider 3 years ago
I think the whole culture of award show hosts is vile and toxic. They are paid to stand up there and roast unsuspecting celebrities…
"I wanna apologize to the academy, I wanna apologize to all my fellow nominees," Smith said with tears in his eyes during his Oscar speech.
He did not, however, mention Rock's name in his apology.
#10
Alanna Elric 3 years ago
"Tasteless joke" You can condemn Will Smith's actions without downplaying how inappropriate and cruel the joke was.
#11
DennyS (denzoren) 3 years ago
I mean, Harvey Weinstien (i honestly don't care how his name is spelt) used to sit and get thanked constantly while being an absolute scum of a human....so not so strange from Hollywood's elitist.
The Los Angeles Police Department said in a statement that they are aware of the incident and that Rock had declined to file a police report.
"If the involved party desires a police report at a later date, LAPD will be available to complete an investigative report," the police explained.
#14
nurit Cohen 3 years ago
Don't make jokes about it or Will Smith might take offense and hit you
#16
Trillian 3 years ago
This! Just because people laughed doesn't make his "joke" okay. I really don't like this tradition of making fun of people this way because there are so many lines getting crossed and people don't really have a choice but to play along. That is just wrong.
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DennyS (denzoren) 3 years ago
They were both wrong. Insensitive joke that took it a bit too far and assault in that situation isn't justified. There were other means to make a point and "hit" back.
KIKIDEEPLEEZ 3 years ago
I'll give you a --clue--why Alanna?'--cuz she's a dumb--cun ty whore, who thinks SHE"S ABOVE IT ALL'--Like YOU!"--
Load More Replies... Susie Elle 3 years ago
In Smiths defense; it's not impossible to first laugh at a joke and then later realize the insensitivity of the joke. His initial reaction could've been out of shock, not amusement.
KIKIDEEPLEEZ 3 years ago
Yes Susie, when some 1. HITS or SLAPS'--you're kid 4 joking around, YOU remember that!!!!!!'--TRUTH
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Nadine Bamberger 3 years ago
The fact that a room full of professional actors laughed doesn't make a cruel, inconsiderate joke funny, doesn't justify physical violence either.
That pigeon -> 3 years ago
Cant imagine how his wife felt when the whole room laughed at her. Pretty sad.
pat morrell 3 years ago
This is an erudite woman who has strong opinions and voices them.. Why on earth does she need a man to champion her and attack someone to defend her honour? Mrs.Smith has never been shy of letting the world know all about her life and her foibles and her illness. It was a disgraceful show of machismo and so last century.Pathetic!
Load More Replies... No you can't have my name 3 years ago
Just because people laughed doesn't make it okay. Making jokes specifically to target one specific person's illness / insecurity and getting the entire damn room to laugh along with you? That's just getting everyone in the room to go along with your bullying.
usuario qualquer 3 years ago
Everybody laughing at a comment that belittles another human being doesn't make it right. On the contrary, it only shows how we need to talk about verbal abuse and the so many ways it is disguised as humor in order to benefit a bunch of sadists.
usuario qualquer 3 years ago
If the whole room really laughed at such a stupid joke they either 1 Are fake and are used to laugh at every bad joke just to be "polite" with the idiot, ops, I mean, the comedian. 2 They are sadists and need to see someone being humiliated to get a high.
usuario qualquer 3 years ago
He tried to not be angry about it. But everything has its limits.
Junkmail Johnson 3 years ago
I guess I need to research Alopecia. I thought it was just hair loss. ??
Rebecca Erickson 3 years ago
Absolutely not okay either way. They showed kids last night that it's okay to settle issues with physical violence and that it's okay to make fun of people for medical conditions.
usuario qualquer 3 years ago
Now, think with me. People who are bullied usually feel alone, they ask parents, friends, the principal for help, but they are left unattended because it'a just a joke after all. What solution you propose to this very problem. History has proved that "dealing with it", ignoring, raising above doesn't work as we have so many cases of serious depression, body dismorphic disorder and many suicides as the consequence of prolonged verbal and psychological abuse. My guess is that people are getting desperate because all their limits have been tested.
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Kill-Bunny 3 years ago
For the ones who say that Smith laughed from the joke. Please, remember that it's a live broadcast, many stars, especially ones in the front seats, has tasks to do, like - laugh when the joke is made, be surprised were you "should" be surprised and so on. His laugh was most likely the thing he was coached to do for the script and then he realized that Rock went of the script and what he actually have said.
Issey 3 years ago (edited)
I love how people go after Chris Rock now, totally disregarding that comedians making jokes about certain topics literally helps making them less taboo? I have severe clinical depression and my friends often make fun about how I overthink things or take things personally even if they were not even directed at me. And you know what? I love them for it! Being able to joke about something like this is freeing, because it NORMALISES it. Alopecia is not a crippling disease or a disability. So mentioning G.I. Jane in that context? Please, that is tame.
olx 3 years ago
nah g that is NOT the same situation. im glad your friends are good about it. this lil b*tchboy wasnt.
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Bob Standen 3 years ago
It was a set up by both of them. Rock knows what is going to happen, he has his hands behind his back and leans forward to cop the open handed (pulled) slap. The Oscars were tanking for ratings, this got 50% more viewers. We all miss Ricky Gervais he's the best.
#17
Marco Hub-Dub 3 years ago
We need a discourse on what is appropriate in comedy jokes. Rock has been going after her and all the Smiths incessantly. Making fun of Shumer for stealing jokes is edgy comedy. Making fun of an auto-immune disease or any body/health issue may eventually require a slap upside the head. Especially when more appropriate requests to stop have fallen on deaf ears. Will shouldn’t have done it to us viewers and the Oscars, but probably should have given the weasel a wake up call earlier on his harassment campaign. And what happened to CR? He used to be funny on his early stand up days. Now he’s a commercial actor or product shucker & tells weak sauce jokes. He’s worse than the comedians booked to perform on Disney cruises.
Later, Smith said actor Denzel Washington pulled him aside after the incident, telling him, "At your highest moment, be careful, that's when the devil comes for you."
Meanwhile, Smith's son Jaden tweeted, "And That's How We Do It."
#18
Shelli LotusFlower 3 years ago
I mean, this horrible event did show the world that Nicole Kidman’s face can move.
#20
#23
DUN DUN (she/her) 3 years ago
I can see his entire life, career flashing before his eyes in this meme
#27
Kimi Tomminello 3 years ago
This- nobody cares anymore. Rich actors congratulating other rich actors for being rich actors is not something a lot of people enjoy anymore.
#28
#31
#35
#40
Pattycakes 77 3 years ago
After seeing that slap I can't help but keep replaying that Dave Chappelle skit with Charlie Murphy and Rick James in my head.
#43
#54
#60
Mama Panda 3 years ago
He should have apologized to Chris as well. What he did was uncalled for and unprofessional. I lost a lot of respect for Will tonight
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What do you think ?
Debbie Barnes 3 years ago
They need to bring Ricky Gervais back and put all these egotistical people back in their place... That's all I'm saying.. Ha, ha, ha....
RaroaRaroa 3 years ago
I don't know why, but I feel like he would never have walked up and slapped Gervais for saying the same. Such crap behaviour on Smith's part. People joke about bald men all the time and no one cares. Jada has embraced it and looks great, so I don't see joking about GI Jane, either with her or a woman who shaves her head is an issue. Perhaps there's actually some other history between these two men that we don't know about.
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Random Panda 3 years ago (edited)
I don't understand why everyone are supporting Chris Rock, he made a derogatory joke about someone's embarrassing health issue to their face in front of hundreds of people. And he's been going after Jada/the Smiths for a while now. I'm not sure Will Smith handled it the right way, but tbh I can't get behind this outrage.
Lea S. 3 years ago
They can dislike what Chris Rock said AND dislike what Will Smith did. The only thing I'm trying to figure out is ...did Chris Rock KNOW that she had alopecia? If he didn't know then he couldn't be making fun of it. No matter how tasteless or mean a joke is I don't believe violence is the answer.
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Neal Patrick 3 years ago
Ukrainians are dying, worldwide people are struggling to pay bills, violent crime is a plague in most all major USA cities…. Who cares about the Oscars and two entertainers spat.
Remy 3 years ago
Why would you say something so controversial yet so brave?
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Ally MacMann 3 years ago (edited)
I don't condone Will Smith in the slightest but it's common knowledge that him and Chris Rock have had a long standing feud. Most people wouldn't then make fun of the spouse of the other person in a public speech. Joke or not, I can totally understand why Smith was fuming. He shouldn't have hit him but Rocks actions can easily be interpreted as bullying.
Rabbit Carrot 3 years ago (edited)
Not condoning what WS did at all but all these celebrities condemning Smith while playing silent to the likes of Woody Allan and Roman Polanski (not to mention their silence over Adrian Brody who assaulted Halle Berry when she won her Oscar) for so many years is kinda sickening. We see you.
Phyzzi 3 years ago
Yeah, my first reaction to "The Academy does not condone violence of any form" was "the shell you don't, you give awards for it". That, ofc, doesn't make either nasty jokes or hitting someone okay, but, like, look in a mirror folks.
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K- THULU 3 years ago
Remember when comedians were funny and not just dishing out insults and inappropriate comments? Maybe I've just lost my sense of humour?
Blackadams 3 years ago (edited)
Personally,you can not make a joke about my pain right in front of the world,i will be pissed,we all have limits,Im not saying what will did was cool...but i think it hits harder when its about your love life and especially when there's someone making a joke about whats a big crack in your life,everyone is forgetting that it hurts,and we all can do this same thing.Will smith shouldnt have hit him tho.
Beth S 3 years ago
I don't think that this situation should be looked at as purely right/wrong as there are too many shades of gray in there. There are too many unknowns to take into consideration. Yes, Chris absolutely has the right to crack jokes and not be taken too seriously. Comedians should not have to worry about being hit by unhappy people in the audience. That being said what should the response be to some random dude on the street cracking jokes at someone that is sick? Sure Will laughed initially but perhaps it took a second to land what exactly was said. I know sometimes it takes me a few moments to process something - even watching comedians I will initially laugh and say "wait a minute - what?!"... We also do not know what additional struggles Jada has been dealing with behind the scenes. Sure she looked beautiful and well put together but those of us with chronic illness know what we put ourselves through to try and take part in society. We should look at things from all angles.
Got Myself 4 Pandas 3 years ago
I'm kinda swaying towards will being over the top on this one. I've a chronic health condition (fibromyalgia) and I've a lot of self harm scars which are noticeable - I've had them made fun of by a comedian, that could've went either way for him, but I laughed and genuinely found it funny but half the room didn't join in until it was clear I wasn't taking offence and joked back with him. Chris didn't say anything bad about her, didn't say anything negative, that she looked bad or anything like that, just that she looked like a character from a movie - and again we don't know if it was known by him of her condition. I get that it's a sensitive subject for her, she may be having a bad time of it, but it was an off the cuff joke very likely with not much thought behind it let alone a dig at her condition. Yeah there's times people joke about me being "lazy" because of my condition and it hits a nerve but I can't hit the person any time it happens. Wills reaction was over the top
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Vivienne-Marie Hintzen 3 years ago
Will Smith is behaving like a 15 year old, punching people instead of using words Chris Rock is behaving like a 10 year old, making fun of the health conditions of people
Zitronella 3 years ago
Chris's joke was totally wrong. I think Jada was very hurt by that. Will just defended her and was pissed off. However, it would have been much more stylish to mention that in his speech. Everyone would have celebrated this verbal slap against Chris.
DuchessDegu 3 years ago
Chris is an idiot, Will is a jerk, and Jada is perfectly capable of defend herself.
Captain Awesome 3 years ago
Hey guess what?! The fact that there was no reaction from Rock or anyone else suggests this might just be a set-up!!
Ben Smith 3 years ago
I couldn't agree more. Will Smith is also what, 50 pounds heavier than Rock? An actual hit, even a slap, should have knocked Rock to the ground if he truly wasn't expecting it. It was just SO over the top as to be difficult to truly believe.
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Phil Vaive 3 years ago
There are way too many people in these comments defending what Will Smith did. Assaulting someone because you didn't like a thing they said is not ok.
AzKhaleesi 3 years ago
I'm gonna have to do some research on this. Just from these pics it looks like Chris was laughing - one. Two, Will OPEN handed slapped him. Men usually don't do that, had he been truly offended he would've punched him. Come on. This was a publicity stunt for sure.
Eppe 3 years ago
These guys would beg to differ: https://youtu.be/A2FkZbkN7-4
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S. Tor Storm 3 years ago
99% sure its fake. But in the off chance its not, Will Smith is just a straight moron.
Jayne Kyra 3 years ago
Millennials had Kanye storming the stage when Taylor Swift won an award. Gen Z gets this. In other news, Encanto won best animated picture!
Wintermute 3 years ago
The most scandalous thing about this is that we've all come together and pretended to take it seriously at all.
lapis lazuli 3 years ago
he could have talked to chris rick after the show and be like hey dude that's not cool
Ivana Bašić 3 years ago
If Will Smith had stood up and called him out publicly, that would have been more effective, still would have shamed CR in a way that couldn't be ignored. But he laughed at first, so the scene was possibly some horribly misguided way to get on his wife's good side. Still, he laughed first.
Alanna Elric 3 years ago
"Here's what people who share our views of the situation are saying about the situation"
Supernatural 3 years ago
Would Will Smith done that if Dwayne Johnson had told the G I Jane joke??? Of course not....Will Smith is obviously a flat track bully...absolute twat in my book!
Raena Celis 3 years ago
Yep, I was so disappointed. Unfortunately for him, he will always be remembered for the "slap"
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K Witmer 3 years ago
They gave away 260,000$ dollar swag bags to these hypocrites. Some had a plot of land in Scotland so they can be called a lady or lord. It's absolute hypocrisy. I hate it all. Will should not have hit him bc he made it all about himself but on the other hand Chris was bullying and the Oscars have been known to be violent but it seems it's ok when white men are the perpetrators. Look up John Wayne, Brando and Eastwood all violent at the awards show and racist. So much for all the climate change Bull they pander about when they're receiving plots of land and over the top excessive waste in gifts when there's a war going on.
Briana Kessler 3 years ago (edited)
They both were out of line. But really who even cares. Did anyone even watch this show?? They're rich out of touch celebrities. They'll all survive just fine.
Isaac7lego 3 years ago
both sides did dumb stuff, It seemed kinda warranted considering that Jada has a condition, also Chris Rock said some questionable stuff earlier. I like them both and dontn downvote me for this but I thought it was kinda amusing.
Boopie Dew 3 years ago
Jada has publicly said she's embracing her look and shaved the rest of her head. I don't think its too insensitive if someone is saying they're embracing their look. She has possibilities and money to do whatever she wants with her hair. Will overreacted , he had time to think, then went on stage to slap Chris. Not punch, slap. Which means he knew what he was doing. Enough to say I stuck up for my wife, but if he'd landed a punch he knew the ramifications would be harsher.Much worse and crazier has been said about them. They have a platform that talks about all their issues for public consumption. So no, I don't feel bad for the Smith's at all. There's a war but let's throw blows over a GI Jane joke? Then say you're about spreading all love and peace? Nah. Of course Chris isn't going to press charges..
Lara Verne 3 years ago (edited)
While that "joke" was tactless, Will's reaction is weird. He was laughing, and then he suddenly get up and hit Chris. If it made him so angry, why was he laughing? And then he sat and watched the rest of show as if nothing happened.....
Brett Layton 3 years ago
Funny I dont see anyone commenting on Mr Smiths behavior and wondering if he is also violent at home with his wife. I dont know alot but i do know someone that will assualt someone on live national tv probably isnt the best at impulse control when the cameras are off. If be concerned for Jada and the children to be honest he needs help to deal with his anger.
Vivian Ashe 3 years ago
I don't get why people think Rock's joke (which he probably didn't even write) was so cruel. Jada has been very publicly vocal about her condition. She proudly went to the Oscars without a wig, and she looked fabulous. Rock's joke that she could play G.I. Jane (who's a strong female character) was, at worst, very mild teasing. I mean, if I lost an arm in an accident and someone said, "You could be Captain Hook for Halloween," I wouldn't even be offended... let alone think they'd deserve to be assaulted. Will Smith just taught every kid in the world that any time someone teases them (or their friend) about their appearance, it's ok to punch that person in the face. And then the Academy let him stay, go way over his allotted time in his acceptance speech, and their members gave him a standing ovation. Such an embarrassing moment for the Academy and for Hollywood in general.
Leii 3 years ago
If you think Will Smith hitting Chris Rock because he made a joke that upset Jada PS is ok then don't ever complain about any of the following: Woman says something to her boyfriend that he doesn't like, it's ok to beat her because he's upset by her comments Child answers back to parent, it's ok to smack the child because the parent is disciplining them Violence is NEVER OK! Stop trying to justify it.
Linz St Florian 3 years ago
I for one support Will Smith. Call me old school but this was a grown man defending the honor of his wife against another grown man, it just happened to be on live TV. Actors are human too and who knows how many times Will has suppressed his anger and urge to react. It is common knowledge that Jada is self-conscious about her condition so Chris Rock prefacing his joke with "Jada, I love you" does not excuse the demeaning nature of it. Chris got what he deserved. Yes, Will laughed it off at first but as soon as he saw it hurt his wife his emotions overwhelmed his self control. And this was a slap people, not a punch, not an ass whoopin. And it wasn't man on woman domestic abuse so please don't compare it.
XSpooky_Mint 3 years ago
I can't believe people are actually defending Chris. Yeah, it's not okay to hit someone for no reason, but there was a f*****g reason. Just because you're a comedian doesn't mean you get a free pass to be an a*****e. The only thing that would've been better is if Jada slapped him herself.
Ben Smith 3 years ago
I can't believe you don't understand Rock's humor or how a childish act of violence and cursing in front of a billion people shouldn't be the main issue. Will Smith embarrassed himself and it will take a loooong time to live it down
Load More Replies... Raena Celis 3 years ago
I really enjoy Will Smith's movies! Which is why I was so disappointed at his behavior at the Oscars. At least wait till the show is over and talk to Chris about how his joke didn't fare well with your lady. But let's not forget that stand up comedians do what they do! And not once did he apologize to Chris! I mean, really Will?
Elleana Sky Lopez 3 years ago
More comments need to be made about Chris Rock joking about Jada's embarrassing condition that have left her in tears several times in her talks. It was terrible and tasteless of him to do this. I see no apologies from him.
Metallicd3ath 3 years ago
This is why I can't deal with Twitter, it's all toxic this or toxic that, either talking about toxicity or *being* toxic. Some people deserve to be slapped. I don't think what Chris rock said deserved it, but I don't think will Smith was that far out of line. It could have been handled differently, better, but this would get no media coverage and next to no backlash or talking about toxicity if it wasn't between two celebrities at an award show.
The Starsong Princess 3 years ago
Whatever the Academy says, they were thrilled about what happened. No way they were going to end this by throwing Will Smith out - think of the ratings! My predication - Will Smith and Chris Rock as co hosts next year.
Miss Frankfurter 3 years ago
I didn't watch the Oscar's last night because I'm tired of what was started as a dignified evening decades ago, and continued to be so for a long time has turned into a one upsmanship of jokes each year. And at times more and more tasteless with each passing year. I agree that really, when the world is falling apart, what's the big deal about people honoring other people who get paid a gazillion dollars for what is basically a sophisticated version of dress up and let's pretend. But then I think of the invaluable contribution of movies like Schindler's List. If there's going to be The Oscar's, can we not go back to dignified please. If Will Smith had used words, after the show, to express his anger at Chris Rock, it would have garnered more attention in a positive way. And been far more effective.
Izabela Wilson 3 years ago
It's funny seeing people that doesn't have alopecia - or any autoimune disorder - lecturing about how people should feel about it. She's an actress and all we know that it can be enough for her to never get a job again. Damn it.
Katerina Huskova 3 years ago
I've never heard of Chris Rock before. His "joke" against ill woman was disrecpetfull and rude. Who else should stand for up her if not her husband?
Puzzle Pozzy 3 years ago
You can stand up for someone without resorting to physical violence..
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Got Myself 4 Pandas 3 years ago
Dunno if this is real or not. Kinda leaning towards real....but will laughed then went nuts - I mean, yeah she has a condition but do we even know if that's something Chris knew about? I've never heard anything about it but then I don't pay much attention to her at all. I don't think comedians jokes should be taken seriously, even when they're a bit close to the bone - I have a lot of scars on my arms from self harm and got the piss ripped right out if me by a compère at the comedy club a good few years back - because I laughed he kept it a running joke - I could've easily taken offence but what's the point? It's their job to make people laugh and shouldn't be taken seriously. It was a pretty mild joke anyway, not really offensive just that she resembled a character from a movie. For will to then make a speech about love, kinda hypocritical. I get it was a sensitive subject for them, my scars are for me too, but a bit of perspective given it was a harmless joke
Alexa Saltz 3 years ago
Will Smith is typically a very gracious person. While I don't condone violence, sometimes life requires that you defend yourself and those you love. Making fun of people is one thing, but to personally attack someone in public by making light of a disability is crossing the line. Will Smith was actually quite reserved only smacking Chris Rock just once. I would have knocked him out cold. I am a bit shocked at the majority response, I stand behind Smith. Rock owes that man and his wife a public apology. I will die on this hill. Try me.
Ben Smith 3 years ago
Are you...are you serious? Will Smith was "reserved" by physically assaulting someone in front of literally a billion people? You can go head and die on that hill, no one cares.
Load More Replies... Mama Panda 3 years ago
Personally I would have taken it as a compliment as GI Jane was a badass! There was nothing comical about that character well except when she told Master Sergeant to suck her d**k but other than that she was tough as nails
Random Panda 3 years ago (edited)
He made a joke about Jada's alopecia, there's nothing cool about that. Tbh I liked he got smacked, but then again I never liked Chris Rock anyway.
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Glen MacLeod 2 years ago
If Will Smith wants respect for his wife, it should begin at home. Stop cheating on her, Will, and then blabbing about it in interviews. As for the slap....delayed after laughing first, tacky, childish and you ruined your own Oscar moment. Now I can't watch your films without thinking what an immature jerk you are.
Alexandra Comeau 3 years ago
There is so much wrong with everything and it shows why Hollywood and everyone in it is a sh*hole, as well as society. Does equality exist or not? Society be like: Thats what men are supposed to do, defend their womens honour! People praise Will for showing a comedian his boundaries. They say they "dont support violence BUT"... Will assaulted him. That was violence on live tv. If Chris was a woman making that joke, no one would have thought about assaulting her. Imagine Chris was a woman and the attacker then got glorified. Since its a man though, its ok to make fun, ignore him and support the attacker. Anothing thing, Johnny Depp was wrongfully accused of DV, lost his roles and almost his life at the hands of his ex wife, gets cancelled and fired even though he was the victim but Will Smith can assault someone on live tv and be celebrated for it. How f'ed up is all that?!
Patricia Holland 3 years ago
This was so fake. They needed to do something like this because the oscars are so bad now nobody is interested in them anymore.
Gus schmiggens 3 years ago
When you're tryna defend your wife I understand throwing punches and all but since they're rich and famous actors they should know plenty of jokes would be made about them
Tiredofpayingforothers 3 years ago
This was nothing more than a staged Hollywood event to draw viewership.
Sheila Stamey 3 years ago
Violence is never a good answer. But being a mean mouth bully to people who honestly you don't think will come back at you? Sometimes it's not a good idea to make fun of nice people.
Leah Helbig 3 years ago
I just keep thinking if a white actor had smacked chris rock. It would be a hate crime and riots in the streets. I dont believe anything that celebrities do or what the media says. Our society would be better off without them
Ekaterina S 3 years ago
All those who believe she is seriously ill: She shaved her head a couple of years ago, bc in shiny, privileged Hollywood, she did not feel like being able to cover up a line of missing hair on top of her head. When checking her recent pictures, esp these from yesterday it is seen that her hair is growing back as always. By now this really might be a fashion statement of hers. The outrage is perverse. There is a war in Ukraine and there are ppl dying. Don‘t get tricked by Hollywood problems.
Andrea Carter 3 years ago
There's one thing I really wonder. The show doesn't get a copy of the script or jokes he's gonna say? Feel like this all was staged and the academy needs to be the ones getting heat too. You can't tell me that they didn't atleast know he was going to have distasteful jokes like that one. Letting him do a scripted insult like that shouldn't have happened and ppl really should be putting a good amount of blame on the producers as well. There is no black and white here. All participants are guilty and look like asses. Also smith is a comedian himself why not just wait til your speech and make rock look like the ass he is?
William Stevenson 3 years ago
I never thought it was a bit. I have seen Will Smith pretend to be mad and punch an alien in the face. This was absolutely nothing like that. He is just not a good enough actor to have pulled this off as a skit.
Lorrie Rothstein 3 years ago
Whats gi jane? Why did chris rock just stand there when wil smith came onstage? Why wasnt wil escorted out?
James Doe 3 years ago (edited)
That was so low.. he did have some time to think about his reaction,even while storming up there and then chose to smack him. How pathetic. I'm never a fan of jokes based on appearance, especially if the appearance is not a choise. (Also about Trump or Johnson). In this case the joke was lame and unnecessary but I personally don't feel it was that toxic, because GI Jane is a positive character in the military and war obsessed USA: a character of strength and honor..
ggus44 3 years ago
So: - Making fun of fat people (uncle Phil): 👍 - Making fun of short people (Carlton): 👍 - Making fun of your wife going bald: 👎 Guess it's only funny when you are the one telling the jokes... Plus: does anyone remember Charlie Hebdo's attacks? They used to make jokes about religion, and then someone got offended and that happened... Were the attacks acceptable because the terrorists were defending their beliefs? In which cases violence is acceptable? Violence is never the answer.
Random Panda 3 years ago
Are you seriously comparing a slap to actual murder and terrorism?
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Raiden Prime 3 years ago
This is some serious thought manipulation B.S. Rock pointed out her hair is short. They showed her and I thought she looked good buzzed. Like a wakandan warrioress. Smith gets all aggro bro and I'm like wtf? That negativity was all in his head and now theyre all trying to project it onto us to warp our thinking. Not today, Satan.
RaroaRaroa 3 years ago
Ruining his own reputation? Why the heck would he? Smith has made himself look like a complete fool.
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Debbie Barnes 3 years ago
They need to bring Ricky Gervais back and put all these egotistical people back in their place... That's all I'm saying.. Ha, ha, ha....
RaroaRaroa 3 years ago
I don't know why, but I feel like he would never have walked up and slapped Gervais for saying the same. Such crap behaviour on Smith's part. People joke about bald men all the time and no one cares. Jada has embraced it and looks great, so I don't see joking about GI Jane, either with her or a woman who shaves her head is an issue. Perhaps there's actually some other history between these two men that we don't know about.
Load More Replies... Random Panda 3 years ago (edited)
I don't understand why everyone are supporting Chris Rock, he made a derogatory joke about someone's embarrassing health issue to their face in front of hundreds of people. And he's been going after Jada/the Smiths for a while now. I'm not sure Will Smith handled it the right way, but tbh I can't get behind this outrage.
Lea S. 3 years ago
They can dislike what Chris Rock said AND dislike what Will Smith did. The only thing I'm trying to figure out is ...did Chris Rock KNOW that she had alopecia? If he didn't know then he couldn't be making fun of it. No matter how tasteless or mean a joke is I don't believe violence is the answer.
Load More Replies... Neal Patrick 3 years ago
Ukrainians are dying, worldwide people are struggling to pay bills, violent crime is a plague in most all major USA cities…. Who cares about the Oscars and two entertainers spat.
Remy 3 years ago
Why would you say something so controversial yet so brave?
Load More Replies... Ally MacMann 3 years ago (edited)
I don't condone Will Smith in the slightest but it's common knowledge that him and Chris Rock have had a long standing feud. Most people wouldn't then make fun of the spouse of the other person in a public speech. Joke or not, I can totally understand why Smith was fuming. He shouldn't have hit him but Rocks actions can easily be interpreted as bullying.
Rabbit Carrot 3 years ago (edited)
Not condoning what WS did at all but all these celebrities condemning Smith while playing silent to the likes of Woody Allan and Roman Polanski (not to mention their silence over Adrian Brody who assaulted Halle Berry when she won her Oscar) for so many years is kinda sickening. We see you.
Phyzzi 3 years ago
Yeah, my first reaction to "The Academy does not condone violence of any form" was "the shell you don't, you give awards for it". That, ofc, doesn't make either nasty jokes or hitting someone okay, but, like, look in a mirror folks.
Load More Replies... K- THULU 3 years ago
Remember when comedians were funny and not just dishing out insults and inappropriate comments? Maybe I've just lost my sense of humour?
Blackadams 3 years ago (edited)
Personally,you can not make a joke about my pain right in front of the world,i will be pissed,we all have limits,Im not saying what will did was cool...but i think it hits harder when its about your love life and especially when there's someone making a joke about whats a big crack in your life,everyone is forgetting that it hurts,and we all can do this same thing.Will smith shouldnt have hit him tho.
Beth S 3 years ago
I don't think that this situation should be looked at as purely right/wrong as there are too many shades of gray in there. There are too many unknowns to take into consideration. Yes, Chris absolutely has the right to crack jokes and not be taken too seriously. Comedians should not have to worry about being hit by unhappy people in the audience. That being said what should the response be to some random dude on the street cracking jokes at someone that is sick? Sure Will laughed initially but perhaps it took a second to land what exactly was said. I know sometimes it takes me a few moments to process something - even watching comedians I will initially laugh and say "wait a minute - what?!"... We also do not know what additional struggles Jada has been dealing with behind the scenes. Sure she looked beautiful and well put together but those of us with chronic illness know what we put ourselves through to try and take part in society. We should look at things from all angles.
Got Myself 4 Pandas 3 years ago
I'm kinda swaying towards will being over the top on this one. I've a chronic health condition (fibromyalgia) and I've a lot of self harm scars which are noticeable - I've had them made fun of by a comedian, that could've went either way for him, but I laughed and genuinely found it funny but half the room didn't join in until it was clear I wasn't taking offence and joked back with him. Chris didn't say anything bad about her, didn't say anything negative, that she looked bad or anything like that, just that she looked like a character from a movie - and again we don't know if it was known by him of her condition. I get that it's a sensitive subject for her, she may be having a bad time of it, but it was an off the cuff joke very likely with not much thought behind it let alone a dig at her condition. Yeah there's times people joke about me being "lazy" because of my condition and it hits a nerve but I can't hit the person any time it happens. Wills reaction was over the top
Load More Replies... Vivienne-Marie Hintzen 3 years ago
Will Smith is behaving like a 15 year old, punching people instead of using words Chris Rock is behaving like a 10 year old, making fun of the health conditions of people
Zitronella 3 years ago
Chris's joke was totally wrong. I think Jada was very hurt by that. Will just defended her and was pissed off. However, it would have been much more stylish to mention that in his speech. Everyone would have celebrated this verbal slap against Chris.
DuchessDegu 3 years ago
Chris is an idiot, Will is a jerk, and Jada is perfectly capable of defend herself.
Captain Awesome 3 years ago
Hey guess what?! The fact that there was no reaction from Rock or anyone else suggests this might just be a set-up!!
Ben Smith 3 years ago
I couldn't agree more. Will Smith is also what, 50 pounds heavier than Rock? An actual hit, even a slap, should have knocked Rock to the ground if he truly wasn't expecting it. It was just SO over the top as to be difficult to truly believe.
Load More Replies... Phil Vaive 3 years ago
There are way too many people in these comments defending what Will Smith did. Assaulting someone because you didn't like a thing they said is not ok.
AzKhaleesi 3 years ago
I'm gonna have to do some research on this. Just from these pics it looks like Chris was laughing - one. Two, Will OPEN handed slapped him. Men usually don't do that, had he been truly offended he would've punched him. Come on. This was a publicity stunt for sure.
Eppe 3 years ago
These guys would beg to differ: https://youtu.be/A2FkZbkN7-4
Load More Replies... S. Tor Storm 3 years ago
99% sure its fake. But in the off chance its not, Will Smith is just a straight moron.
Jayne Kyra 3 years ago
Millennials had Kanye storming the stage when Taylor Swift won an award. Gen Z gets this. In other news, Encanto won best animated picture!
Wintermute 3 years ago
The most scandalous thing about this is that we've all come together and pretended to take it seriously at all.
lapis lazuli 3 years ago
he could have talked to chris rick after the show and be like hey dude that's not cool
Ivana Bašić 3 years ago
If Will Smith had stood up and called him out publicly, that would have been more effective, still would have shamed CR in a way that couldn't be ignored. But he laughed at first, so the scene was possibly some horribly misguided way to get on his wife's good side. Still, he laughed first.
Alanna Elric 3 years ago
"Here's what people who share our views of the situation are saying about the situation"
Supernatural 3 years ago
Would Will Smith done that if Dwayne Johnson had told the G I Jane joke??? Of course not....Will Smith is obviously a flat track bully...absolute twat in my book!
Raena Celis 3 years ago
Yep, I was so disappointed. Unfortunately for him, he will always be remembered for the "slap"
Load More Replies... K Witmer 3 years ago
They gave away 260,000$ dollar swag bags to these hypocrites. Some had a plot of land in Scotland so they can be called a lady or lord. It's absolute hypocrisy. I hate it all. Will should not have hit him bc he made it all about himself but on the other hand Chris was bullying and the Oscars have been known to be violent but it seems it's ok when white men are the perpetrators. Look up John Wayne, Brando and Eastwood all violent at the awards show and racist. So much for all the climate change Bull they pander about when they're receiving plots of land and over the top excessive waste in gifts when there's a war going on.
Briana Kessler 3 years ago (edited)
They both were out of line. But really who even cares. Did anyone even watch this show?? They're rich out of touch celebrities. They'll all survive just fine.
Isaac7lego 3 years ago
both sides did dumb stuff, It seemed kinda warranted considering that Jada has a condition, also Chris Rock said some questionable stuff earlier. I like them both and dontn downvote me for this but I thought it was kinda amusing.
Boopie Dew 3 years ago
Jada has publicly said she's embracing her look and shaved the rest of her head. I don't think its too insensitive if someone is saying they're embracing their look. She has possibilities and money to do whatever she wants with her hair. Will overreacted , he had time to think, then went on stage to slap Chris. Not punch, slap. Which means he knew what he was doing. Enough to say I stuck up for my wife, but if he'd landed a punch he knew the ramifications would be harsher.Much worse and crazier has been said about them. They have a platform that talks about all their issues for public consumption. So no, I don't feel bad for the Smith's at all. There's a war but let's throw blows over a GI Jane joke? Then say you're about spreading all love and peace? Nah. Of course Chris isn't going to press charges..
Lara Verne 3 years ago (edited)
While that "joke" was tactless, Will's reaction is weird. He was laughing, and then he suddenly get up and hit Chris. If it made him so angry, why was he laughing? And then he sat and watched the rest of show as if nothing happened.....
Brett Layton 3 years ago
Funny I dont see anyone commenting on Mr Smiths behavior and wondering if he is also violent at home with his wife. I dont know alot but i do know someone that will assualt someone on live national tv probably isnt the best at impulse control when the cameras are off. If be concerned for Jada and the children to be honest he needs help to deal with his anger.
Vivian Ashe 3 years ago
I don't get why people think Rock's joke (which he probably didn't even write) was so cruel. Jada has been very publicly vocal about her condition. She proudly went to the Oscars without a wig, and she looked fabulous. Rock's joke that she could play G.I. Jane (who's a strong female character) was, at worst, very mild teasing. I mean, if I lost an arm in an accident and someone said, "You could be Captain Hook for Halloween," I wouldn't even be offended... let alone think they'd deserve to be assaulted. Will Smith just taught every kid in the world that any time someone teases them (or their friend) about their appearance, it's ok to punch that person in the face. And then the Academy let him stay, go way over his allotted time in his acceptance speech, and their members gave him a standing ovation. Such an embarrassing moment for the Academy and for Hollywood in general.
Leii 3 years ago
If you think Will Smith hitting Chris Rock because he made a joke that upset Jada PS is ok then don't ever complain about any of the following: Woman says something to her boyfriend that he doesn't like, it's ok to beat her because he's upset by her comments Child answers back to parent, it's ok to smack the child because the parent is disciplining them Violence is NEVER OK! Stop trying to justify it.
Linz St Florian 3 years ago
I for one support Will Smith. Call me old school but this was a grown man defending the honor of his wife against another grown man, it just happened to be on live TV. Actors are human too and who knows how many times Will has suppressed his anger and urge to react. It is common knowledge that Jada is self-conscious about her condition so Chris Rock prefacing his joke with "Jada, I love you" does not excuse the demeaning nature of it. Chris got what he deserved. Yes, Will laughed it off at first but as soon as he saw it hurt his wife his emotions overwhelmed his self control. And this was a slap people, not a punch, not an ass whoopin. And it wasn't man on woman domestic abuse so please don't compare it.
XSpooky_Mint 3 years ago
I can't believe people are actually defending Chris. Yeah, it's not okay to hit someone for no reason, but there was a f*****g reason. Just because you're a comedian doesn't mean you get a free pass to be an a*****e. The only thing that would've been better is if Jada slapped him herself.
Ben Smith 3 years ago
I can't believe you don't understand Rock's humor or how a childish act of violence and cursing in front of a billion people shouldn't be the main issue. Will Smith embarrassed himself and it will take a loooong time to live it down
Load More Replies... Raena Celis 3 years ago
I really enjoy Will Smith's movies! Which is why I was so disappointed at his behavior at the Oscars. At least wait till the show is over and talk to Chris about how his joke didn't fare well with your lady. But let's not forget that stand up comedians do what they do! And not once did he apologize to Chris! I mean, really Will?
Elleana Sky Lopez 3 years ago
More comments need to be made about Chris Rock joking about Jada's embarrassing condition that have left her in tears several times in her talks. It was terrible and tasteless of him to do this. I see no apologies from him.
Metallicd3ath 3 years ago
This is why I can't deal with Twitter, it's all toxic this or toxic that, either talking about toxicity or *being* toxic. Some people deserve to be slapped. I don't think what Chris rock said deserved it, but I don't think will Smith was that far out of line. It could have been handled differently, better, but this would get no media coverage and next to no backlash or talking about toxicity if it wasn't between two celebrities at an award show.
The Starsong Princess 3 years ago
Whatever the Academy says, they were thrilled about what happened. No way they were going to end this by throwing Will Smith out - think of the ratings! My predication - Will Smith and Chris Rock as co hosts next year.
Miss Frankfurter 3 years ago
I didn't watch the Oscar's last night because I'm tired of what was started as a dignified evening decades ago, and continued to be so for a long time has turned into a one upsmanship of jokes each year. And at times more and more tasteless with each passing year. I agree that really, when the world is falling apart, what's the big deal about people honoring other people who get paid a gazillion dollars for what is basically a sophisticated version of dress up and let's pretend. But then I think of the invaluable contribution of movies like Schindler's List. If there's going to be The Oscar's, can we not go back to dignified please. If Will Smith had used words, after the show, to express his anger at Chris Rock, it would have garnered more attention in a positive way. And been far more effective.
Izabela Wilson 3 years ago
It's funny seeing people that doesn't have alopecia - or any autoimune disorder - lecturing about how people should feel about it. She's an actress and all we know that it can be enough for her to never get a job again. Damn it.
Katerina Huskova 3 years ago
I've never heard of Chris Rock before. His "joke" against ill woman was disrecpetfull and rude. Who else should stand for up her if not her husband?
Puzzle Pozzy 3 years ago
You can stand up for someone without resorting to physical violence..
Load More Replies... Got Myself 4 Pandas 3 years ago
Dunno if this is real or not. Kinda leaning towards real....but will laughed then went nuts - I mean, yeah she has a condition but do we even know if that's something Chris knew about? I've never heard anything about it but then I don't pay much attention to her at all. I don't think comedians jokes should be taken seriously, even when they're a bit close to the bone - I have a lot of scars on my arms from self harm and got the piss ripped right out if me by a compère at the comedy club a good few years back - because I laughed he kept it a running joke - I could've easily taken offence but what's the point? It's their job to make people laugh and shouldn't be taken seriously. It was a pretty mild joke anyway, not really offensive just that she resembled a character from a movie. For will to then make a speech about love, kinda hypocritical. I get it was a sensitive subject for them, my scars are for me too, but a bit of perspective given it was a harmless joke
Alexa Saltz 3 years ago
Will Smith is typically a very gracious person. While I don't condone violence, sometimes life requires that you defend yourself and those you love. Making fun of people is one thing, but to personally attack someone in public by making light of a disability is crossing the line. Will Smith was actually quite reserved only smacking Chris Rock just once. I would have knocked him out cold. I am a bit shocked at the majority response, I stand behind Smith. Rock owes that man and his wife a public apology. I will die on this hill. Try me.
Ben Smith 3 years ago
Are you...are you serious? Will Smith was "reserved" by physically assaulting someone in front of literally a billion people? You can go head and die on that hill, no one cares.
Load More Replies... Mama Panda 3 years ago
Personally I would have taken it as a compliment as GI Jane was a badass! There was nothing comical about that character well except when she told Master Sergeant to suck her d**k but other than that she was tough as nails
Random Panda 3 years ago (edited)
He made a joke about Jada's alopecia, there's nothing cool about that. Tbh I liked he got smacked, but then again I never liked Chris Rock anyway.
Load More Replies... Glen MacLeod 2 years ago
If Will Smith wants respect for his wife, it should begin at home. Stop cheating on her, Will, and then blabbing about it in interviews. As for the slap....delayed after laughing first, tacky, childish and you ruined your own Oscar moment. Now I can't watch your films without thinking what an immature jerk you are.
Alexandra Comeau 3 years ago
There is so much wrong with everything and it shows why Hollywood and everyone in it is a sh*hole, as well as society. Does equality exist or not? Society be like: Thats what men are supposed to do, defend their womens honour! People praise Will for showing a comedian his boundaries. They say they "dont support violence BUT"... Will assaulted him. That was violence on live tv. If Chris was a woman making that joke, no one would have thought about assaulting her. Imagine Chris was a woman and the attacker then got glorified. Since its a man though, its ok to make fun, ignore him and support the attacker. Anothing thing, Johnny Depp was wrongfully accused of DV, lost his roles and almost his life at the hands of his ex wife, gets cancelled and fired even though he was the victim but Will Smith can assault someone on live tv and be celebrated for it. How f'ed up is all that?!
Patricia Holland 3 years ago
This was so fake. They needed to do something like this because the oscars are so bad now nobody is interested in them anymore.
Gus schmiggens 3 years ago
When you're tryna defend your wife I understand throwing punches and all but since they're rich and famous actors they should know plenty of jokes would be made about them
Tiredofpayingforothers 3 years ago
This was nothing more than a staged Hollywood event to draw viewership.
Sheila Stamey 3 years ago
Violence is never a good answer. But being a mean mouth bully to people who honestly you don't think will come back at you? Sometimes it's not a good idea to make fun of nice people.
Leah Helbig 3 years ago
I just keep thinking if a white actor had smacked chris rock. It would be a hate crime and riots in the streets. I dont believe anything that celebrities do or what the media says. Our society would be better off without them
Ekaterina S 3 years ago
All those who believe she is seriously ill: She shaved her head a couple of years ago, bc in shiny, privileged Hollywood, she did not feel like being able to cover up a line of missing hair on top of her head. When checking her recent pictures, esp these from yesterday it is seen that her hair is growing back as always. By now this really might be a fashion statement of hers. The outrage is perverse. There is a war in Ukraine and there are ppl dying. Don‘t get tricked by Hollywood problems.
Andrea Carter 3 years ago
There's one thing I really wonder. The show doesn't get a copy of the script or jokes he's gonna say? Feel like this all was staged and the academy needs to be the ones getting heat too. You can't tell me that they didn't atleast know he was going to have distasteful jokes like that one. Letting him do a scripted insult like that shouldn't have happened and ppl really should be putting a good amount of blame on the producers as well. There is no black and white here. All participants are guilty and look like asses. Also smith is a comedian himself why not just wait til your speech and make rock look like the ass he is?
William Stevenson 3 years ago
I never thought it was a bit. I have seen Will Smith pretend to be mad and punch an alien in the face. This was absolutely nothing like that. He is just not a good enough actor to have pulled this off as a skit.
Lorrie Rothstein 3 years ago
Whats gi jane? Why did chris rock just stand there when wil smith came onstage? Why wasnt wil escorted out?
James Doe 3 years ago (edited)
That was so low.. he did have some time to think about his reaction,even while storming up there and then chose to smack him. How pathetic. I'm never a fan of jokes based on appearance, especially if the appearance is not a choise. (Also about Trump or Johnson). In this case the joke was lame and unnecessary but I personally don't feel it was that toxic, because GI Jane is a positive character in the military and war obsessed USA: a character of strength and honor..
ggus44 3 years ago
So: - Making fun of fat people (uncle Phil): 👍 - Making fun of short people (Carlton): 👍 - Making fun of your wife going bald: 👎 Guess it's only funny when you are the one telling the jokes... Plus: does anyone remember Charlie Hebdo's attacks? They used to make jokes about religion, and then someone got offended and that happened... Were the attacks acceptable because the terrorists were defending their beliefs? In which cases violence is acceptable? Violence is never the answer.
Random Panda 3 years ago
Are you seriously comparing a slap to actual murder and terrorism?
Load More Replies... Raiden Prime 3 years ago
This is some serious thought manipulation B.S. Rock pointed out her hair is short. They showed her and I thought she looked good buzzed. Like a wakandan warrioress. Smith gets all aggro bro and I'm like wtf? That negativity was all in his head and now theyre all trying to project it onto us to warp our thinking. Not today, Satan.
RaroaRaroa 3 years ago
Ruining his own reputation? Why the heck would he? Smith has made himself look like a complete fool.
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