Violence is just not acceptable, and never the answer.
That is the opinion of many Malaysians regarding the dust-up between Will Smith and Chris Rock at this year’s Oscars ceremony.
While presenting an award, Rock made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved head.
Will Smith, who was in the audience, went onstage and struck Rock, and then cursed him from the crowd.
"Keep my wife's name out of your (expletive) mouth!" he shouted at Rock.
Jada Pinkett has previously shared that she shaved her head after struggling with alopecia, an autoimmune disorder which causes bald spots and hair loss.
Reader Pravin Jessy had this to share on The Star’s Facebook: “Whilst I don’t agree with a person making fun of a person with a medical condition like Jada Smith. Violence isn’t the answer or the solution. We teach our children that violence isn’t the answer and here is Will Smith smacking someone on TV.”
Meanwhile, Paulus Nelson wrote: “In an increasingly aggressive world we need peace. Violence is a crime and it’s never justifiable...”
Michelle Lee said: “Two wrongs don’t make a right. And certainly, no valid excuse for being violent. I’m a huge Will Smith fan since his Fresh Prince days. But this... not acceptable.
At the same time, there are those who reasoned that the attack was warranted.
Lorna Phoong commented: “Will Smith is really a true man, he knows to protect his wife and family. He is a real hero and true love to his wife. He deserves for the best actor Oscar.”
Soon after the incident, Smith won the Oscar for Best Actor for his performance in King Richard.
While accepting the award, the actor became emotional and apologised to the Academy and his fellow nominees. It’s reported that he ended his speech by saying: “I hope the Academy invites me back."
Malaysian celebrities also took to their social media to chime in on this issue.
Host Datuk Aznil Nawawi sided with Smith. He wrote on his Facebook: “You turn my wife into stand-up material, I will stand up and defend my wife too!”
Meanwhile comedian Harith Iskander shared the altercation video on his Instagram account, with the caption: “As a comedian and a professional, I have to give it up to @chrisrock. Much respect for just ‘taking it on the chin’ and moving on - To be assaulted by someone whilst you are on stage performing if the most insane thing that could happen.”
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