Nikki Glaser (with Will Smith) and Chris Rock. Shutterstock(3)
Here’s some insight. Reflecting on her career as stand-up comedian Nikki GlaserDiscussed her personal feelings Will SmithPublicly slapping Chris RockBecause of a joke.
“I accept Will Smith’s apology, not on behalf of Chris Rock, but for him, I can tell that he is ashamed of how he behaved. I trust that he is going through things that we don’t understand,” Glaser, 37, exclusively told Us WeeklyWhile promoting her new show Welcome Home Nikki Glaser?The premiere of, which will air on Sunday, May 1st. “Because you do not do that if you are not in pain. So, I actually have a lot of empathy for Will Smith.”
The TV host noted that she was initially “horrified” by what happened at the 2022 Oscars. “[I was] kind of scared for myself in terms of what kind of ideas people might get with copycatting someone who is arguably one of the safest men ever,” she explained. “I do think that I forgive him and that he did the right thing with that Instagram statement. I am ready to accept him back into the world if he shows that he has grown from it.”
Smith, 53 years old, was involved in an altercation at last month’s 94th Academy Awards. Rock, 57, made a joke when he presented an award. Jada Pinkett SmithAppearing in G.I. Jane 2Because of her shaved hair. Pinkett Smith, 50-year-old from Philadelphia, had alopecia and rolled her eyes as she approached the stage. She slapped the comedian.
After apologizing to Rock via social media, the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air alum then resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences confirmed earlier this month that Smith was expelled from all Oscars events for a period of 10 years. In a statement, Smith said that he had been banned from all Oscars events for 10 consecutive years. Page Six, “I accept and respect the Academy’s decision.”
Glaser reflected on the incident and explained how she would approach making a joke about PinkettSmith if she were in the same situation.
“It’s a dumb little throw away joke. I wouldn’t know about her alopecia. I would’ve said that [I am]Just joking. And if he slapped me, I would be so embarrassed and so scared because it’s an assault,” she shared with Use. “But I do think that I would apologize for hurting someone [Will]Jada was actually hurt by this way of treating her. Not knowing about her history of alopecia, not knowing how painful alopecia is for people who suffer with it and saying, ‘Listen, now I won’t do that again.’”
FBOY Island host Rebekah recalled how her experience with stand up comedy has influenced the way she approaches humor. “My intent is never to offend or hurt anyone’s feelings. Now that doesn’t mean that I don’t accidentally do that sometimes,” she told Us. “The difference between me and I think a lot of comedians now is that comedians always say that they will not apologize. It’s just a joke. I acknowledge that jokes can hurt and I will apologize if I hurt someone.”
Glaser’s professional and personal life will be at the forefront of her upcoming reality series. The Ohio native said that her interest in reality TV helped her to envision the kind of show she wanted.
“The persona I have in the public eye is already as close to a reality show character that you would see because I’m not pretending to be anything I’m not. I really am honest all the time with everything I do and that wasn’t always how I started out,” she mentioned. “I’m still a work in progress that’s trying to accept myself, but I really do know who I am now. I know my limitations and I am really comfortable being myself.”
Glaser continued: “The only reason I did this reality show was because I was at a point where I was ready to be completely honest. I wouldn’t have done it otherwise because I’m a reality show connoisseur and I want my reality as organic as possible. I don’t wanna see stuff that is manufactured. I did not set out on a course to pitch a reality show until I knew that I was ready to show every little bad part of myself and it turns out I’m not such a bad person.”
Welcome Home Nikki Glaser?Premieres on E! Sunday, May 1, at 10 p.m. ET.
Leanne Stanton reports
