The 94th Academy Awards were memorable for a lot of people as they got recognized for their hard work. However, Will Smith’s sudden violent actions have got to be the night’s most memorable moment. Even after almost a year of the Oscars airing, no one has quite been able to forget Will Smith slapping comedian Chris Rock in front of a live audience.
Eddie Murphy
Now, it looks like awards ceremonies are learning from the slap controversy. During the Golden Globes Awards 2023, actor Eddie Murphy was awarded a lifetime achievement award for his work in the industry. While accepting the award, Eddie Murphy thought to share the recipe for success with anyone willing to take his advice. However, no one would’ve thought that Will Smith would be getting an honorary mention in the actor’s speech.
Eddie Murphy’s Dig at Will Smith
Eddie Murphy at the Golden Globe Awards 2023
As he was awarded the Cecil B. DeMille Award, Eddie Murphy was all set to make his acceptance speech a memorable one. He took to the stage to share a few words of friendly advice (and friendly fire) when he talked the audience through what a blueprint of success looks like.
According to Murphy’s speech, the road to success is simple. All you have to do is pay your taxes with honesty, mind your business and not be nosey, and last but certainly not least, do not talk about Will Smith’s wife!
“I want to let you know that there is a definitive blueprint that you can follow to achieve success, prosperity, longevity and peace of mind. There’s a blueprint and I’ve followed it my whole career. It’s very simple. Just do these three things, ‘Pay your taxes, mind your business and keep Will Smith’s wife’s name out your f—king mouth!’”
Murphy’s third advice was reciprocated by an eruption of laughter from the audience. It looks like everyone now knows not to mess with Smith and his family!
Will Smith Addresses Chris Rock
Will Smith apologizes to Chris Rock
After slapping Chris Rock, Smith was awarded the Academy Award for Best Actor. However, in his acceptance speech, people were hoping he would address the stunt he pulled and apologize to Rock. However, that didn’t happen. In a YouTube video posted by Smith on July 29, 2022, he clarified that he didn’t do so because he was “fogged out” by that time and everything was “fuzzy.”
Next, he stated that he has reached out to the comedian but Rock wasn’t ready to have a conversation with Smith just yet and that he will reach out when he was ready. In his next statement, Smith directly addresses Rock and apologizes to him stating that his behavior was unacceptable. Smith added that he’s there if Rock ever changes his mind. He even apologized to Rock’s mother.
“So I will say to you Chris, I apologize to you. My behaviour was unacceptable and I’m here whenever you’re ready to talk. I wanna apologize to Chris’ mother. I saw an interview that Chris’ mother did and you know, that was one of the things about that moment I just didn’t realize and you know, I wasn’t thinking about how many people got hurt in that moment. So I want to apologize to Chris’ mother. I want to apologize to Chris’ family.”
So far, Smith and Rock have not sorted out their difference publically, one on one. As for Smith, the controversy still seems to be hanging around him fresh as new.
