After the shocking 2022 Oscars incident which involved Will Smith smacking Chris Rock for a supposedly offensive joke, the internet had a field day. Keyboard warriors were split, half condemning the actor’s impulsive actions while others trivializing the entire ordeal.
The online debate of what would have Smith done if that quip had been delivered by someone like Mike Tyson finally has an answer. The boxing legend revealed on his podcast the consequences of their potential brawl, stating there would have been no need for a confrontation. Tyson’s statement justified why the Suicide Squad actor wouldn’t need to have a face-off with him.
Mike Tyson vs Will Smith: Why it wouldn’t happen?
One of the most controversial and infamous moments in the history of the Academy Awards occurred in 2022. Chris Rock was called on-stage to deliver the award for Best Documentary Feature when he was unexpectedly slapped by Will Smith.
The latter took offense to the comedian’s seemingly harmless joke targeted towards his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Since then internet discourse went wild with theories about what would have happened if instead of Rock, a stronger opponent had delivered the joke.
Referencing the old incident on his podcast Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson, the former Heavyweight champion revealed his thoughts. The pair shockingly sided with Smith, Flair even stated he would have done the same (via Marca).
I can speak for myself, and I’m pretty sure I’m speaking for Mike. If I didn’t like a remark, for any reason whatsoever, that somebody said about my wife, I would be punching them – not slapping them.
The duo also speculated that the on-stage assault might have been staged because the Men in Black actor’s reaction was too tamed for their tastes. Tyson also revealed why a similar incident couldn’t have happened with him if he changed places with the Boomerang actor.
Well I wouldn’t be talking about his wife no so he wouldn’t hit me no. I wouldn’t f**k with me, I wouldn’t say anything to me to f**k with.
Iron Mike has always been feared inside and outside the boxing ring for his intense aura and formidable physique. But the former WBA belt-winner also holds a high moral ground and strong integrity which is why he confesses he would have never made the Bad Moms actress the butt of his jokes.
Was it a staged fight or an outburst of raw emotions?
After the startling Oscars incident, the Bad Boys for Life actor went on to apologize to Rock twice. The actor also had to face a punishment in the form of being banned from attending Academy events for 10 years (via USA Today).
Some fans agreed that the Grown Ups actor’s insensitive remark could be considered cruel to the actress who had been struggling with alopecia. However, others noted that the Focus actor had initially laughed at the light-hearted joke before turning violent suddenly.
This also led to the rise of speculations about the legitimacy of the incident, with many netizens claiming it was allegedly staged. Rock did not file a lawsuit against the actor, rather he made jokes about the incident.
Jimmy Kimmel too mentioned the unfortunate episode during his opening monologue for the 2023 Oscars. The late-night host talked about the probability of such an incident occurring again and mentioned a special crisis team (via USA Today).
We want you to feel safe, most importantly we want me to feel safe…The academy has a crisis team in place. If anything unpredictable happens during the ceremony, just do what you did last year: Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Maybe even give the assailant a hug.
The experience was hurtful for all of the three celebrities involved, but Tyson would not have had the same response. The legendary boxer’s claim about not making Pinkett Smith a target for his jokes might have seemed like a diplomatic answer but it also reveals his gentlemanly personality.
