As an avid cinephile I watch the Academy Awards every year. This year was no exception. The Awards were actually entertaining unlike last year which was dominated by “woke” speeches. Unfortunately, the Awards this year were marred by actor Will Smith who walked onstage and slapped comedian Chris Rock.
Chris Rock made a joke about the wife of Smith who suffers from a disease that made her hair fall out. Comedians make joke and celebrities are frequent targets of comedians. Smith’s love for his wife and attempt to defend her is truly admirable. His use of violence in a setting where others were to be honored is deplorable.
Chris Rock deserves to be respected for maintaining his composure. Having been slapped publicly and on a worldwide television broadcast could not have been easy to endure. Chris Rock practiced the Christian virtue of turning the other cheek. He is to be admired for this as what had been an ugly scene might have turned far worse had he hit back.
Rock carried on and presented the award he was called out to present. Will Smith demonstrated remorse when he subsequently won the award for best actor. Whatever his intentions, Smith’s use of violence has been deservedly condemned.
There are lessons to be learned from this incident and examples to be emulated. Christians should pay attention.