By Branden Matassa ‘22, OTG editor

I’ll be straight. I love Will Smith. His energy on screen. The physicality he brings. His ability to make you laugh. Simply put, he’s just cool. Although, Smith isn’t narrowed by his beloved performances in action comedies like Bad Boys and Men in Black. Often some of my favorite Will Smith performances are serious, like in The Pursuit of Happiness, Concussion, and most recently King Richard. He really is one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors.

Now that the pleasantries are out of the way, I guess it’s time to cut to the chase. Was Will Smith wrong for his actions at the 2022 Oscars? Yes, without a doubt. Violence, no matter the circumstance, is usually never the answer. As a disclaimer, this article is not a justification of violence, nor will it suggest that Smith should face no consequences. What I want to push back against is the attacks on Smith’s entire reputation.

Although Will Smith is unlikely to see many long-term forms of cancellation, some of his projects like his upcoming Netflix movie and the next Bad Boys are being delayed. I just have a difficult time understanding the point of companies distancing themselves from Smith if they are only going to return their support in a few years. Personally, I don’t think his actions are serious enough to warrant complete cancelation, so maybe he shouldn’t see any consequences. It’s a hard question to answer because nothing like this has really ever happened, at least at the Oscars.

While Smith technically did commit misdemeanor assault, a slap doesn’t carry the same weight as a punch, headbutt, or kick. The likelihood of a slap causing any severe damage is low. Let’s say Will Smith instead punched Chris Rock, that kind of action is far deadlier. If he wanted to actually hurt Rock, he wouldn’t have slapped him. This was an act of disrespect in direct response to an act of disrespect against his wife.

Actors in Hollywood have done far more damning things than slapping. Mel Gibson was caught on video going on a rant filled with racial slurs and anti-Semitic remarks. But where is he now? He’s filming and starring in Lethal Weapon 6 in a couple of years and recently appeared in 2017’s Daddy’s Home 2. So, if he’s not canceled, let’s slow down any cancelling of Will Smith. If cancel culture is going to have any place in Hollywood, let’s leave it for the real perpetrators like Harvey Weinstein or Kevin Spacey.

It’s also important to consider past history. Before this incident, Will Smith’s character has been seemingly decent. From what I have read and heard on podcasts from actors and producers who’ve worked with Smith, he is a genuinely nice guy. The slap would have meant more if Smith had a history of violence, but he doesn’t. It’s hard to say what was going through his mind. The emotions and pressure of the night, with it being Smith’s best chance at his first Oscar, likely got the best of him. In no way does this condone his actions, but context is relevant.

Am I going to continue supporting Will Smith? Yes, and I’m not ashamed of that. One mistake shouldn’t define a person, especially when it’s relatively insignificant and doesn’t reflect past character. If someone is going to boycott Will Smith, that’s their decision, but I think it’s a gross overreaction.