In a recent interview with Variety, actor Sean Penn expressed his frustration with the Oscars' decision to allow Will Smith to receive applause at the 2022 ceremony following his violent outburst. Penn, known for his role in the film "Milk" and his documentary on the war in Ukraine, criticized the Oscars' refusal to let Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speak at the event. According to Penn, the Oscars producer thought Zelenskyy was not "light-hearted enough," leading to Smith's presence on stage.
Penn acknowledged that he did not personally know Smith but praised his performance in the biopic "King Richard," which earned him an Oscar for Best Actor. However, Penn questioned why Smith was receiving applause for his "worst moment as a person." Smith had slapped comedian Chris Rock during the ceremony after a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Smith later apologized and resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, resulting in a 10-year ban from the Oscars.
Penn, who himself has a history of violence, including an assault conviction in 1987, believed that the incident with Smith would not have occurred if Zelenskyy had been allowed to speak. He argued that Smith would never have engaged in such violence if Zelenskyy had been given the opportunity to address the audience.
It is important to note that Penn's comments come from a personal perspective and should not be taken as a reflection of the entire film industry or the general public. While Penn has faced legal consequences for his violent behavior in the past, it does not invalidate his concerns about the Oscars' decision-making process.
This incident highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the Oscars and the role of celebrities in society. It sparks discussions about the responsibility of award shows to promote positive behavior and the consequences faced by individuals who engage in violent acts. As an unbiased journalist, it is crucial to present the facts without taking a position on the matter.