The News
Will Smith’s Oscars Slap Draws Comparisons to Meghan Markle
The 94th Academy Awards took a dramatic turn as Hollywood actor Will Smith made headlines for more than just winning his first-ever Best Actor Oscar for his role in “King Richard.”
The event was overshadowed by Smith's shocking act of slapping host Chris Rock on stage after a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith's alopecia.
In a tearful moment while accepting the prestigious award, Smith apologized for his actions, attributing them to the pressures and abuse prevalent in the acting industry.
Following the incident, American broadcaster Megyn Kelly didn't hold back in criticizing Smith's behavior, drawing parallels between the actor and Meghan Markle.
Kelly expressed her disdain for what she perceived as Smith's self-centered reaction, likening it to Markle's public struggles as a member of the royal family.
She questioned the validity of Smith's response to the joke, given his stature as one of the world's biggest stars, implying a lack of empathy for his perceived sensitivity.
Despite issuing an apology to Chris Rock and the public, Smith faces potential repercussions as the Academy announced an investigation into the incident, leaving the door open for sanctions against the actor.
While Smith attempted to explain his actions as a momentary lapse of control, Kelly remained critical, suggesting that the slap was more about Smith seeking attention rather than defending his wife's honor.
However, Kelly did commend Jada Pinkett Smith for her composed handling of the situation.
In a broader context, Kelly's scrutiny extended beyond the Oscars incident, delving into her ongoing criticism of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Prior to the couple's revealing interview with Oprah Winfrey, Kelly shared her skepticism of their narrative, highlighting what she perceived as their privileged status and questionable motives.
She continued to live-tweet during the interview, casting doubt on Markle's portrayal of herself as a victim and questioning the couple's intentions in sharing their story.
Kelly's pointed commentary didn't stop there, as she further criticized Meghan and Harry for leveraging their royal connections for personal gain after being financially cut off.
Refusing to sympathize with what she viewed as a self-victimizing narrative, Kelly accused the couple of evading responsibility for their decisions and actions.
She portrayed their public image as one of entitlement and self-pity, dismissing their claims of mistreatment and discrimination.
Despite facing backlash for her outspoken views, Kelly remained steadfast in her stance, challenging the notion that criticism of Meghan and Oprah was inherently racist.
She defended her right to express dissenting opinions and called out what she perceived as the couple's refusal to acknowledge their privilege and agency.
In a final rebuke, Kelly urged the public to see past the facade of victimhood presented by Meghan and Harry, urging them to take accountability for their choices and narratives.