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Marie Louise McConville: Will Smith was wrong to slap

Actor Will Smith was wrong to slap presenter Chris Rock on stage during the Oscars last March. Such violent behaviour is unacceptable. Picture by AP Photo/Chris Pizzello
Actor Will Smith was wrong to slap presenter Chris Rock on stage during the Oscars last March. Such violent behaviour is unacceptable. Picture by AP Photo/Chris Pizzello Actor Will Smith was wrong to slap presenter Chris Rock on stage during the Oscars last March. Such violent behaviour is unacceptable. Picture by AP Photo/Chris Pizzello

I've never understood how the line between right and wrong can be so blurred.

For me, the difference between the two has always been very clear – but that's not the case for everyone.

It's almost 12 months since 'slapgate' captivated the world of showbiz.

It was during the 94th Academy Awards in Los Angeles in March when actor Will Smith walked on stage and slapped comedian Chris Rock.

The slap was in response to the presenter's joke about Smith's wife Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved head, which she had been shaving since 2021 due to alopecia areata.

Smith returned to his seat and shouted at Chris to keep his wife's name out of his mouth – but in much more colourful language.

Later, Smith apologised to the Academy and Rock before he resigned his Academy membership and was banned from attending its events for 10 years.

Now, almost 12 months on, we are still talking about it – I'm not sure why.

For me, it's very simple. Will Smith was wrong to physically assault Chris Rock.

And yes, Chris Rock was wrong to make any kind of joke about Jada but isn't that's the unfortunate nature of being a comedian in Holywood or anywhere for that matter – jokes at other people's expenses?

Are you trying to tell me that Will Smith has never made a joke about anyone else during his long career?

I'm not defending Chris Rock, he should never have said what he did, but he should never have been assaulted for it.

What kind of example did Will Smith's actions set for young people who may look up to the actor?

He is famous for a host of shows and films, among them Disney's Aladdin, so are you telling me he is a good example to young viewers?

For me, the slap and everything to do with it should have been put to bed already but of course, with this year's Oscars just around the corner, it has once again reared its shameful head.

And, it hasn't been helped by the fact that Richard Williams, the father of Venus and Serena, has defended Will Smith's actions.

Smith played Williams in the biopic film King Richard, which won him best actor at the Oscars last year.

Speaking about 'slapgate', 81-year-old Williams said he "didn't feel sorry" for Rock.

"I think he has done the best thing he needed to do, but I would never be disgusted with Mr Smith. Matter of fact, I appreciate Mr Smith."

When asked if he saw any wrongdoing in what happened at the Oscars, he added: "I don't see nothing wrong with that."

Well, I wholeheartedly disagree.

Will Smith had no right to lay a hand on Chris Rock – who does he is think he is?

Just because he's famous, doesn't give him the right to behave in such a way.

What he did was wrong no matter how many people tell him otherwise.

Let's hope for a more peaceful event this year.

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It's back.

It used to be the best reality show on TV and now Channel 4 is reportedly rebooting 'Four Weddings'.

The news comes after a 10-year hiatus for the show.

Media reports claim casting agents are currently on the look out for brides and grooms for the newly revamped version.

The show saw four couples followed by a camera crew as they attended each other's weddings and scored them. The winning newly-weds then won a lavish honeymoon.

Reports claim the new show is set to go into production later this year.

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Who fancies making dinner time with the kids a bit more environmentally friendly?

Tiny, the Danish maker of tableware for little ones, has produced a new bio-plastic range of dinnerware, which is made from sugar cane, a 100 per cent sustainable raw material.

The seven-piece Bioplastic set, which comes in fine, natural colours, allows parents to divide food into type, colour or size.

If the two smallest spaces of the plate are not used for food, the bowl and cup can instead be placed in these spaces and used as a tray to carry food and drink together.

The dining set has a long life, as it can be used right from the child's first meal, and from there adapted as the child's skills and motor skills develop.

The Dantoy Tiny BioBased Dinner Gift Set costs £18 and is available from Coolshop.co.uk

I have to three Bio-Plates sets to give away.

If you would like the chance to win a set, simply email your name, address and telephone number – along with the answer to the question below – to competitions@irishnews.com.

Closing date for entries is noon on Tuesday March 14.

(Q) What nationality is Tiny?

Normal Irish News rules apply.

COMPETITION WINNERS

The winner of The Old Inn competition is Maria McHugh, from Belfast.