Serena Williams reflects on Will Smith’s Oscar controversy. Image Source: Insider
Serena Williams reflects on Will Smith’s Oscar controversy.
Serena Williams appeared on CBS Mornings with Gayle King, where she reflected on actor Will Smith’s infamous altercation with comedian Chris Rock at the Academy Awards after the comedian made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s baldness.
The tennis player did not specifically address the infamous altercation, but she did refer to it when asked about the film 'King Richard' in which Will Smith portrayed the character of Serena's father Richard Williams. The film focuses on the fact that the tennis patriarch, Richard Williams, Venus and Serena Williams' father is the one for the sisters' remarkable success due to a strong groundwork and a comprehensive plan.
Serena Williams stated that she thought King Richard was an amazing film, but that another incredible film, Summer of Soul, which was acknowledged, was somewhat overshadowed. Chris Rock appeared to present the Best Documentary Award to Questlove before Will Smith slapped the comedian. The pro tennis player continued by stating that she's been in a circumstance where she's been under a great deal of pressure and made some mistakes, and she's the type of person that has been there before. Serena Williams went on to say that she made a mistake and that it is not the end of the world, explaining that everyone has flaws and that we ought to all be nice toward one another which people usually forget.
Serena Williams uncovers her father has been trying to convince her to play again when asked if she has any plans to return to tennis, however, she said that she feels that she has given her entire life to the sport and now it is time for her to give her life to something different. She also revealed that she is planning to give her daughter a sibling.
Richard Williams previously described the documentary as an interpersonal judgment, as he attempted to trace back the Williams family's struggle to achieve their current success. Regarding the Academy Award incident, Richard told the US Sun that whatever Will Smith wants to do, he should do it adding that people will think whatever they want to think. However, if Will Smith wishes to apologize, which is admirable, and deal with the situation, he would not pass judgment on anyone. Richard suggested that people should also allow him to keep his Oscar as well noting that they should leave something alone when someone has worked so hard for it. Richard added that he respects what he does and would never criticize him.
The repercussions of the slap heard and seen all over the world were immediate. Will Smith, who won his first Academy Award for Best Actor for his characterization of Richard Williams, was prohibited from attending Academy events for ten years, and developments he was working on were either scrapped or put on hold indefinitely at the time.
In an interview with Yahoo, Nia Long who starred on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air alongside Will Smith and portrayed his longtime girlfriend, Belulah "Lisa" Wilkes, stated that she'd always absolutely adored the actor and stated that he has enjoyed an incredible career for several years and that he has successfully carried a responsibility to try to represent what excellence or success looks like. The star stated that she does not believe that there was any room for compassion, at least not when they were rising through the ranks and that she believes the actor is now capable of being human. She also made a subtle nod to the Oscars slap stating that they all have their moments in life where they need to reconcile things that they suppress. Nia added that she thinks it's difficult growing up in this business and being in the spotlight every day, all day.
Will Smith has since made an apology to the comedian, posting a video on social media in July during which he calls his actions inadmissible and affirms his great disappointment. He said that he can tell everyone that no part of him claimed to believe that was the right way to behave at that time. He added that no part of him believes that's the best way to deal with feelings of disrespect or insult and he despises disappointing people. The actor who won the Academy Award for Best Actor that night mentioned in his apology video that it hurts him emotionally and psychologically to recognize that he didn't live up to people's portrait and perception of him.
Will stated that he is now working on himself and just wants to say how deeply remorseful he is and is trying not to be ashamed of himself since he is a human, and he messed up, and he is now trying not to think of himself as a jerk. The actor said that he knows it was confusing and he knows it was shocking but he promises that he is deeply devoted and committed to bringing light, love, and joy into the world, and if you hang on, he promises we'll be able to be friends again. He also mentioned that he took some time before sharing what was going on because he wanted it to be authentic.
Will Smith and Martin Lawrence have revealed that they're going to join forces for a fourth installment of the "Bad Boys" franchise. Will Smith and Lawrence announced the upcoming film's official launch on Tuesday morning by posting a reunion video on social media with the caption, "IT'S ABOUT THAT TIME!"
