After Chris Rock slapped DJ Jazzy Jeff on live television, Will Smith was defended by Jazzy Jeff.
Jazzy Jeff told WGCI that he wasn’t proud of the incident, but not too twist it. Jazzy Jeff said that it was a lapse of judgment. I realized that I don’t know many people who have had more lapses of judgment than him.
He said, “I could name 50 times that.” [Smith] should’ve smacked the sh*t out of somebody and he didn’t. He’s human for having a lapse of judgment. I believe that a lot of the criticism comes out of people who don’t think people like this are human.
Smith is forbidden from attending the Oscars in 10 years.
“The Board has decided that Mr. Smith will not be allowed to attend any Academy events and programs for a period starting on April 8, 2022,” said Academy President David Rubin, and CEO Dawn Hudson in a statement.
CNN received a statement from the actor stating that he accepts and respects the Academy’s decision.