NAACP Legal Defense President Speaks Out Against the Assault at The Oscars

President of NAACP Legal Defense, Janai Nelson shared her perspective on the assault at The Oscars.

Will Smith Slaps, Curses Out Chris Rock At Oscars After He Makes G.I. Jane Joke About His Wife

Nelson Tweeted “I know we’re all still processing, but the way casual violence was normalized tonight by a collective national audience will have consequences that we can’t even fathom in the moment. #Oscars2022“

I know we’re all still processing, but the way casual violence was normalized tonight by a collective national audience will have consequences that we can’t even fathom in the moment. #Oscars2022

— Janai Nelson (@JNelsonLDF) March 28, 2022

Actor Will Smith jumped up on stage after comedian Chris Rock made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head and struck the comedian during the live broadcast. Smith then went back to his seat and screamed at Rock over the jock telling him to “keep his wife’s name out of his ****** mouth” twice.

Later during his tearful acceptance speech for winning “Best Actor” Smith apologizes to the academy and tries to justify his behavior with, “Love will make you do crazy things”.

This comment from Smith raised red flags for many along with his irrational behavior. Twitter blue checks pointed out the red flags.

George Takei highlighted, “Many people, especially kids, look up to actors. Because of that, we have an obligation to try to be good role models. With celebrity comes responsibility.”

Many people, especially kids, look up to actors. Because of that, we have an obligation to try to be good role models. With celebrity comes responsibility.

— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) March 28, 2022

1619 creator Ida Bae Wells was even in shock, sharing, “I’m tripping that you can assault someone on live television on stage at the Oscars and just take your seat and watch the rest of the show.”

I’m tripping that you can assault someone on live television on stage at the Oscars and just take your seat and watch the rest of the show.

— Ida Bae Wells (@nhannahjones) March 28, 2022

Actress Maria Shriver pointed out love isn’t violent, “#WillSmith says he wants to be a vessel for love. Love is not violent. Love is not what was displayed on a global stage tonight. #Oscars“

#WillSmith says he wants to be a vessel for love. Love is not violent. Love is not what was displayed on a global stage tonight. #Oscars

— Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) March 28, 2022

New York Times writer, George Hahn asked what many were wondering, “Serious question: Is Will Smith going to be charged with assault? Because that was assault. #Oscars“

Serious question: Is Will Smith going to be charged with assault? Because that was assault. #Oscars

— George Hahn (@georgehahn) March 28, 2022

What happened last night at The Oscars wasn’t normal. It sent many across the globe questioning what just happened. Many raced to social media to see if there was some sort of explanation for the altercation, outside of what was broadcasted.

We reported on Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) who cheered Smith’s violent act on Twitter and quickly deleted what she realized was an inappropriate comment.

BLM-Supporting Progressive House Reps Delete Tweets Applauding Will Smith’s Assault of Chris Rock at Oscars