Comedy club owners say comics 'concerned about their safety' after Oscars' SLAPGATE
Comedy club owners of New York are concerned for their acts after Will Smith smacked Chris Rock at the Oscars 2022 after the comedian pointed at Jada Pinkett Smith quipped, "Jada, I love you. GI Jane 2....can't wait to see it." Comedy club owners are afraid that Smith's violent behavior sets a dangerous precedent.
Comedy Cellar owner, Noam Dworman speaking about the Oscars' Slapgate told an outlet, "Chris was hit for a joke, that’s never OK. There is no limiting principle to it and it must not be normalized." Dworman said, "We support Chris completely … I think even Will Smith would agree, and probably regrets what happened" before adding he hopes this doesn’t spark copycat incidents in comedy clubs. Dworman further said, "Let’s all hope it doesn’t become a 'thing'. Gentlemen used to challenge each other to duels, so humans are clearly vulnerable to these sorts of things."
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Dani Zoldan Stand Up NY owner, told PageSix, "I’ve been in touch with a handful of comics and every one of them thinks it’s insane what happened (like the rest of the world!). They have been concerned about cancel culture, but this is next level crazy where they are now concerned about their safety." Zoldan added, "Comics are here to entertain us and make us laugh — full stop. To retaliate physically against a comedian for telling jokes is totally uncalled for and I hope the Academy sends a strong message in support for Chris Rock."
Caroline Hirsch, the owner of Carolines on Broadway, is also worried that people will follow Smith’s lead and commit violence against comedians if they don’t like what they have to say. "Comedians should be able to feel comfortable in being able to perform without the fear of being attacked on stage," Hirsch said. "That was a violent assault committed by a role model on live television in front of an international audience."
Hirsch added, "He should issue a public apology to Chris, and he needs to be held accountable because this sets a very dangerous precedent. I hope this incident doesn’t inspire people to believe that it’s acceptable behavior to resort to violence when a comedian tells a joke that offends them. If you’re offended by the material, don’t laugh."
The Stand NYC has also shared similar concerns on Instagram. They wrote, "What we are worried about now is that this last reaction on international television will spurn others to do the same at comedy clubs and smaller venues." They added, "We urge fans to continue to be respectful of the comedian at work and if there is a moment where club goers feel uncomfortable, standup and walk away. A peaceful resolution is for the best."
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences issued a statement on Monday, March 28 saying that it "condemns the actions of Mr. Smith at last night’s show" and it has started an official inquiry. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Smith is likely to be disciplined, which could include a suspension of his Academy membership. The outlet reports that it’s less likely Smith’s Best Actor accolade for 'King Richard', which he won on Sunday, March 27 would be revoked.