Jim Carrey made it clear that he believes Will Smith’s slapping of Chris Rock during the Oscars on Sunday caused irreparable damage not only to his legacy but to the entire Hollywood industry.
In a recent CBS Mornings interview With Gayle King to promote Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Carrey said Smith should face far greater consequences for hitting rock after the comic made a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
Not only was Smith not disqualified from the event, but he received a standing ovation shortly thereafter when he won the Best Actor award for King Richard. Smith apologized on social media Monday. Rock has yet to publicly address the matter. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will conduct a formal review.
Carrey said he was “disgusted” by the entire situation, which included the ovation, and after King made a comment that anyone else would have at least been thrown out and maybe arrested, Carrey replied, “It should have been him.”
Rock is not pressing charges for now, police said. Carrey, who noted he had nothing personal against Smith, said he understood why fellow comedian Rock didn’t want the “furbish” of the ongoing situation. Carrey offered what he would do in Rock’s place.
“I would have announced this morning that I’m suing Will for $200 million because this video will be there forever. It’s going to be ubiquitous,” Carrey told King. “This insult will last a very long time.”
Beyond the serious damage to Smith’s own reputation, Carrey said the inaction of those present today sends a clear message about the industry.
“Hollywood, by and large, is just spineless, and it really felt like that was a really clear indication that we’re not the cool club anymore,” Carrey said.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydbJ1LMLag0