Will Smith could have made a different choice.

[Lilifer]

He had several moments to think about it as he made his way up to the podium. He could have calmly taken the mircrophone from Chris Rocks hand and addressed the audience on behalf of himself and Jada to say that joke was unacceptable (which it was) and then he could have invited Chris Rock to make a public apology there and then, which CR would have had to do , would have had no choice really, then WS could have returned to his seat dignity intact, showing the world how words rather than violence can be used to good effect, and this silly ugly petulant toxic masculinity nonsense could have been avoided. He revealed a very ugly side to himself. He should have been escorted out of that event for that behaviour.

He’s a thug, he’s been exposed to what he’s really like but because he’s part of the holly weird elite, he got away with it. There has been a lot worse said on Oscar nights than that, all who the joke was on, laughed it off with dignity. This man is revolting and violent.

I don't think they've got the humour right. Maybe Chris Rock is trying to be like Ricky Gervais.

Ricky Gervais comedy is different - his focus is about exposing hypocrisy and he's a natural at that - and it makes me laugh. Chris Rock isn't funny. His humour is weird - cruel and caustic.

would have been seen as a hero

He would not have, he would be laughed at with memes about how winy, privileged etc. he is.
Same if he walked out.

@notanotheroneagain

would have been seen as a hero

He would not have, he would be laughed at with memes about how winy, privileged etc. he is.
Same if he walked out.

I very much doubt that. But obviously it’s better to be labelled a violent thug, eh?

Never said it was better, just pointing out that he would not be labeled as some kind of hero.

I agree OP. It's strange how many feel violence to 'protect' a woman's honour is the way forward. He didn't wack someone that made a joke about his wife having sex with another man. I think WS being a cuckood husband etc.

He actually laughed along with the 'joke', he initially thought it funny until she told him it wasn't. He needed her to tell him and so he responded with violence. Very odd.

@Femalewoman

I agree OP. It's strange how many feel violence to 'protect' a woman's honour is the way forward. He didn't wack someone that made a joke about his wife having sex with another man. I think WS being a cuckood husband etc.

He actually laughed along with the 'joke', he initially thought it funny until she told him it wasn't. He needed her to tell him and so he responded with violence. Very odd.

If that was me and my DP had hit someone to defend me then refused to leave, I'd make him leave or would leave without him.

Everyone has done it. (Lost their temper and acted badly.) EVERYONE.

Nope. Not buying it.

@notanotheroneagain

Never said it was better, just pointing out that he would not be labeled as some kind of hero.

I really disagree. I think he would have been applauded for standing up for his wife when she was clearly annoyed by the joke. But even if he was labelled as whiny and entitled by some people, I don't think his reputation and probably his career would be damaged at all, the way it has been now.

@ConfusedByDesign

The joke was poor but no one had a right to snack him for it. I can’t believe how many people think it’s an acceptable response.

I agree.

Not only did he look calm being hitting him across the face he laughed along with the joke until his wife told him it wasn't funny. He obviously needed telling.

He acted in the heat of the moment. He wasn't thinking rationally enough to make the choice you suggest OP. Unfortunately.

@Mrsjayy

He was apparently asked to leave but refused, of course he should have behaved differently, I think he thinks he's invincible it happens when people ha e to much !

He should have been kicked out. If you are at a venue and you asked to leave, if you refuse the secure gets involved!!

@PenguinPup

He acted in the heat of the moment. He wasn't thinking rationally enough to make the choice you suggest OP. Unfortunately.

What he did was measured and calculated. You don't slowly saunter up then swagger off like he did if you didn't know what you were doing.

As a pp said @Lilifer you REALLY should have said in your opening post that you ONLY wanted people posting on this thread who AGREE with you.

@MurmuratingStarling

Totally expected response from an OP who doesn't like it that some people disagree with her dumb points. And BINGO, even a silly LOL-ing smiley with tears streaming down its cheeks.

Pathetic.

Disagree to your hearts content - but wind your neck in and get cuppa or something, it's a Mumsnet discussion no need to get so wound up.

@Lilifer Oooh you do NOT like it that people are challenging you DO you?

Have the Scientologists got wind of this thread or something?

@HalloHello

If it had been Amy Schumer who made the joke and Will had slapped her, he would already be in jail.

If he had been a normal person, in an office environment and slapped a colleague, he would have been disciplined.

I just cannot see how anyone can think this isn't that bad'.

I got pulled up for calling a colleague a bitch to her face. NOT in character for me at all. She deserved it. As much as would have loved to have slapped her it would have had serious repercussions.

Did l miss the bit where Smith apologised for laughing his arse off at the 'joke'. Think she was pissed off with him more than she was with Rock.