On THAT slap.

Everybody saw it. Literally the entire world; the amount with TV or internet access anyhow. What the hell was Will Smith thinking - if he was thinking at all? You were at the Academy Awards, dude! The world's highest-profile awards show! Plus, you were about to mark a career peak with the Best Actor Oscar!

I don't know. But I do know what happened around me when I saw it. I was watching the show with a friend and, in the moment, I thought Will's intentions, at least, were understandable, but my friend was outraged. Personally, I still don't think he should've gone up there and hit Chris Rock, but I do think doing that was just foolish, and it has overshadowed the achievements of the other winners, namely the queer and Latino Ariana DeBose and the deaf Troy Kotsur. I also knew when it happened that it would be an instant media - news and social - whipping horse, and there I was right. Plus, what was keeping Smith from saving those feelings for his acceptance speech since he must've known he was his category's warm favourite?

Furthermore, he was laughing himself at Rock's joke that sparked it all, until he saw wife Jada's upset reaction. That was evidently what tipped the scales, but it didn't make his initial reaction any less hypocritical and then in his speech itself, he advocated for peace and harmony. Rock's joke also was sexist and body-shaming, but it was just a joke and it was meant to provoke, so by lashing out like he did, Smith gave Rock that very satisfaction. I also think somebody seated near Smith should've tried to restrain or calm him before he walked on stage; they must've known, from his yelling, how angry he was.

In fairness, Smith did apologise during his speech and, at greater length, in a statement after the show. But now, after the Academy announced an investigation into this incident and possible disciplinary action against him (including stripping him of his Oscar), he has resigned from their membership. I call that cowardly jumping before you can be pushed. I'm still prepared to give him a second chance; too many celebrities have been punished more for equal or greater sins. But Will would be very wise to avoid a repeat of this entire very public scandal.