A ridiculous attempt at sarcasm based on a straw man argument.

Try reading what I actually write rather than what you, Maple and Bluejay invent.

The three stooges. How appropriate.

I have to say I think comedians really need protecting. That's whether they are a fat whiner like Joe Brand or someone actually funny like Chris Rock. Whether you think they are racist or offensive or whatever. In my view the only metric should be are they funny enough to make a living.

It strikes right at the heart of free speech. In a sense the comedian is the court jester with license to poke fun at the powerful or anything. It's a balance against authoritarianism and class.

To be fair to Smith I don't think he reacted because of his status but rather in a weak moment because he cares a lot about his wife.....but like I say it's just not on.....he has to pay some kind of price if comedians are going to be protected.

Edited by Stirlingsays (28 Mar 2022 5.03pm)

'Who are you and how did you get in here? I'm a locksmith. And, I'm a locksmith.' (Leslie Nielsen)

Hollywood is full of pedophiles, baby killers, racists, sexists, virtue signalers and idiots!

Just to be clear is that a reference to people who murder children or homicidal infants?

Now Zaha's got a bit of green grass ahead of him here... and finds Ambrose... not a bad effort!!!!

The ridiculous thing about Will Smiths behaviour is that a joke that would've been long forgotten and is completely throw away is now going to follow him around for the entirety of his career.

It's long been known that his attempts to act like he's fine with his wifes interest in an 'open relationship' hasn't been easy for him.. and why should it be. He comes across as someone in a controlling and manipulative relationship with her announcing her behaviour to him on her own TV show. That's his issue to resolve of course, just stating a point.

If you watch the clip it's clear that he finds the joke rather amusing until she doesn't, then it's suddenly a problem for him. I expect he feels inadequate on account of having to share his wife and feels a need to 'defend her honour' to show what a man he still is within the relationship. Pretty pathetic conduct by him, and a relationship he'd be better off being out of rather than attempting to legitimise violent behaviour that results from aspects of it.

[Tweet Link]

Credit to Chris Rock for his reaction. That he didn't him hit back (though would Smith have acted the same way to a less diminutive figure?) or press charges certainly makes him a more forgiving figure than I would have been in the same situation..

Edited by BlueJay (28 Mar 2022 6.54pm)

I'd largely agree, the two aspects where I might have some thoughts would be in....well, is Will Smith really uncomfortable with his open marriage? I can't say I follow him much but from what I have seen I get the impression he's not under a thumb....maybe that's wrong but it's an impression. Of course most would think he's allowing his wife to make a fool of him....I'm told the word 'cuck' is trending on Twitter. Still, his life, his choice. Perhaps he needs some mental help.

The other aspect that I'd have some sympathy for is in defending his wife's honour, that's some old school values I have some respect for.....and as a mitigation it was a slap not a beat down (though I agree some price must be paid).

But that's as far as that goes....If this was someone insulting your wife in a pub I would understand more as it isn't your job. Smith is a celebrity turning up at an award show where the presenters take the mickey out of the guests...the great and the good. It's been like that for decades. If you're going to take the millions then take the brickbats. If you can't take the heat don't show up or find another profession.

Chris Rock was just doing his job and if Hollywood has any sense left in it at all should react strongly in his defence and the defence of all comedians.

'Who are you and how did you get in here? I'm a locksmith. And, I'm a locksmith.' (Leslie Nielsen)