Yes, you see it on this thread. People just can’t comprehend that this was not staged by the Producers.
Nor was it staged by Rock.
It is possible that Smith planned to do something unconventional and used this moment as his opportunity but the idea that producers and Rock were in on this are preposterous.
the fallout is still happening. Lawsuits are no doubt being talked about. If I was Rock I would find some way to say that his lawyers told him he can’t talk about it and then make lawyer jokes or something in order not to say anything direct about it to preserve a lawsuit
Heck, Sykes and Schumer may also be demanding “after care” like Rock has been offered
The scary part about this is that if an actor was off his meds or having a meltdown there is no telling what he might do after he refused to leave. It was an explosive situation.
btw, lawyers had to be thinking what happens if Will Smith doesn’t win the award and does something even worse when he completes his meltdown.
Great points!
As an aside, I now hear rumors that the Academy President was instantly furious. Sounds like he was chilled by Smith or his reps. I’ll have to see what my Academy writer buddy, Shelly Goldstein, knows at this point - just for kicks and giggles.
UPDATE : OK, I checked in with my Academy comedy writer contact and she replied (in her typical comedic form) “I’m sorry, Billy, I can’t comment on that right now. I’m too busy fielding agents to pitch my new buddy comedy film starring Chris Rock & Will Smith!”)