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The Oscars are one of the most anticipated events every year. People watch the Oscars in the hope of their favorite movie taking home the most coveted awards in the entertainment industry. The event has seen some controversial incidents in the past, but none tops the Will Smith-Chris Rock ‘slapgate’ fiasco. Although it garnered widespread criticism for the ‘I am Legend’ star, Richard Williams, the father and childhood coach of Venus Williams and Serena Williams, recently showed his support for the maligned actor.

Will Smith slapped actor-comedian Chris Rock after the comedian made a joke about Jada Pinkett-Smith’s looks. Subsequently, he received a 10-year ban from appearing at the Academy Awards.

Father of Serena Williams breaks silence on dramatic Oscar moment

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In an exclusive interview with Good Morning Britain, Richard Williams talked about the infamous slapping incident of the 2022 Oscars. As per Richard, Will Smith was right to strike Chris Rock. He added that he felt no sympathy for Rock. Richard said, “I think he has done the best thing he needed to do, but I would never be disgusted with Mr Smith. Matter of fact, I appreciate Mr Smith.”

When asked if he saw anything wrong with what happened, Richard said Smith’s actions were justified as Rock made an inappropriate comment about his wife. In addition, the childhood coach of the Williams sisters also said that Smith had a restrained reaction. “When I was about 51-years or younger, I almost killed any damn one, so I think Mr Smith done a great deal not to,” he told Good Morning Britain.

Read more – ‘My Father Was Very Similar to Richard Williams’ – Will Smith Draws Parallels Between His Father and Serena Williams’ Father

He also added that the academy should lift Will Smith’s ban and it shouldn’t have gone on for more than a week. Richard believes that he doesn’t feel sorry for Chris Rock and that everyone should forget about it now. This wasn’t the first time that Richard has supported Smith. In a previous interview with The Sun, Richard mentioned that people should let the renowned actor handle the situation as he sees fit.

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Chris Rock’s jab at Will Smith

After almost a year of the incident, Chris Rock talked about Will Smith in his Netflix special. After engaging with the audience and going through the material, Rock finally talked about the event near the end. Rock did not pull any punches, he spoke his mind and told the viewers his side of the situation.

Watch this story – “A Real No-Nonsense Lady”: Serena Williams Once Said That Her Mom Was Very Different From Her Father Richard Williams

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Rock said that Smith lashed out due to his wife’s affair. He said that people who were aware of the background knew he was not at fault. Rock further said that the situation angered him so much that he would watch ‘Emancipation’, a movie in which Smith gets beaten up. Rock also ranted about Smith, saying he only slapped Rock because Smith could beat him in a physical confrontation.

After Smith slapped Rock, he apologized to the attendees and the academy for his actions. What is your take on Richard’s support for Will Smith? Let us know in the comments.