Fat Joe says Will Smith slap will make people think minorities 'don't know how to act'
Hip hop legend Fat Joe has chimed in on the recent Oscars controversy that resulted in a backlash against Hollywood star Will Smith, saying people will think minorities "don't know how to act."
The 'I am Legend' actor apologized for slapping comedian Chris Rock at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, and later resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, with many wondering whether he will be stripped of his Best Actor award. Smith, 53, assaulted Rock, 57, on stage for poking fun at his wife Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved head, which is reportedly a result of an autoimmune condition called alopecia.
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Fat Joe is a veteran in the world of hip hop and has been busting rhymes since the early 1990s. He has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry throughout his rapping career, including Diddy, Lil Wayne, Busta Rhymes, and several others. In a recent conversation with TMZ, Fat Joe commented on Smith slapping Rock at the Oscars. He said that despite Smith's accolades, people will think minorities don't know how to conduct themselves. "Of course, it makes minorities look bad," he told the publication.
"It's sad because Will is such a beautiful person but he's taken a hit because we've come such a long way and we telling everybody to respect us. Had it been 50 Cent or Fat Joe I’d understand. But Will Smith, he’s the best we got so it’s unfortunate that happened to him." Fat Joe added, "He's been fighting so hard and he's been an expert example for the rest of us, but people are definitely looking at that and saying we don’t know how to act, for sure.”
MEAWW previously reported how Smith was facing a production backlash following his Oscars stunt with his upcoming Netflix film 'Fast and Loose' as well as 'Bad Boys 4' - both being put on hold amid the controversy. Meanwhile, one insider claimed the embroiled star was planning to visit a luxury retreat to escape the chaos and do some "soul searching." This came after Smith announced his resignation from the Academy as awards bosses opened an investigation into his actions during the ceremony. The actor declared that he is ready to accept any further consequences for slapping Rock.
“My actions were shocking, painful, and inexcusable," Smith wrote in his resignation statement. “The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all those in attendance, and global audiences. I betrayed the trust of the Academy. I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken." He insisted, "Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason.”