VIRGIN RIVER star Benjamin Hollingsworth has weighed in on the heated debate after the shocking moment Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at this year’s Academy Awards ceremony.
The 94th Academy Awards has become one of the most talked-about nights in Oscars history after Hollywood star Will Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock before picking up the trophy for Best Actor. Posting his response on Instagram, Virgin River cast member Benjamin Hollingsworth said he understood Will’s actions, although admitted both men crossed a line.
Dan Brady star Benjamin defends Will’s right to stand up for his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, after Chris made a crack about her shaven hair.
Chris joked he looked forward to seeing her in GI Jane 2 – the original film starred actress Demi Moore with a shaved head – which prompted Will to slap the presenter on-stage.
Jada had been diagnosed with alopecia in 2018 and revealed she had shaved her head in 2021, leading many critics to label Chris’ joke insensitive.
On his latest Instagram Story, Benjamin reacts to the intense live TV moment with various pictures of his Virgin River co-stars, including Martin Henderson and Alexandra Breckenridge, looking shocked.
He wrote: “All of us while watching the Oscar drama. Accurate.”
The Netflix star later gave his interpretation of events, and conceded there were mistakes made on both sides.
“A man should ALWAYS stand up for his wife and family,” he said.
“It’s never ok to come at someone’s disease. Rock crossed a line but so did Will.” (sic)
Many fellow celebs have sided with Will after Chris’ joke was considered tasteless, including Tiffany Haddish who said: “That’s what your husband is supposed to do, right? Protect you.”
However, Benjamin also felt Will may have taken the confrontation too far by resorting to violence.
He continued: “As actors we condition ourselves to act on instinct – it’s what makes a good actor great, the lack of inhibitions.
“That said, violence is NOT ok! Unless your family is in immediate physical danger keep your hands down and let your words do the hitting.” “Easier said than done. As a husband and father I know first hand the rage one feels when a member of your family is wronged or attacked.” (sic)
Chris favored not to press charges against Will after the incident which left millions of viewers reeling towards the end of this year’s Oscars.
In a recent statement, the King Richard star and Best Actor winner publicly apologized to Chris.
He wrote on Instagram: “I would like to publicly apologise to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong.”
