Tiffany Haddish Praises Will Smith For Protecting His Wife During Oscars 2022
Tiffany Haddish admires Will Smith for acting upon his love and duty as a husband when he delivered an open-headed slap across Chris Rock’s face for joking about Jada during the 94th Academy Awards on Sunday.
While Black Twitter memes engulf the internet, the stand-up comedian explained why the viral yet controversial moment was the “most beautiful thing” she had ever seen.
“When I saw a Black man stand up for his wife, that meant so much to me,” Haddish told PEOPLE at the Governors Ball following the ceremony. The actress continued to uphold her argument that Will’s actions were notable, especially for protecting his wife.
“As a woman, who has been unprotected, for someone to say, ‘Keep my wife’s name out your mouth, leave my wife alone,’ that’s what your husband is supposed to do, right? Protect you. And that meant the world to me,” she said.
“And maybe the world might not like how it went down, but for me, it was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen because it made me believe that there are still men out there that love and care about their women, their wives.”
Haddish went on to directly address Rock’s actions. While noting that he’s a “friend” of Will and Jada, she also questioned his intentions behind the joke. “Why would you do that? He didn’t even run the joke by her, but she was hurt though. Would you do that for your wife? Would you say, ‘Keep my wife’s name out your mother fucking…’ Like, yes! Yes!”
“If she wouldn’t have been hurt, [Will] probably wouldn’t have said nothing,” said Haddish. “But you could see he was clearly… And they exploited it. They exploited her, so ‘I have to do something’… He protected his wife.”
The Smiths have been longtime friends with Haddish, who starred in the 2017’s blockbuster comedy Girls Trip with Jada. During the film’s press tour, she told several stories about her newfound friendship with the Hollywood power couple, including inviting them out to a Groupon swamp tour. She also praised them for showing her the ropes in the industry.
Questlove’s ‘Summer Of Soul’ Takes Home Oscar Win For Best Documentary
First-time director Ahmir “Questlove” Thompsontook home the Oscar for best documentary feature Sunday night for Summer of Soul, a breathtaking revival of the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival.
In Summer of Soul, the renowned DJ, Roots drummer, producer, and bandleader intentionally recounts Black history using music as a foundation for musicians to share heartfelt stories.
During an emotional speech, Thompson expressed his gratitude to his parents, and even got choked up as he referenced his father, musician Lee Andrews who died in 2016. He also declared that his directorial debut of this pivotal moment had less to do about him and more to do with the crucial political and social issues facing Black people in 1969 and beyond.
“It’s not about me. It’s about the marginalized people in Harlem that need to heal from their pain,” Thompson said during his emotional speech. “Just know that in 2022, this is not just a story about 1969 marginalized people in Harlem.”
For the West Philly native, the Oscar win was a shock to him. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Thompson was initially reluctant to take on the film. For his directorial debut — a job he was unfamiliar with at the time — he was responsible for the special task of retelling an almost erased part of Black history. The festival attracted large crowds and talented acts, yet still managed to go under the pop culture radar.
“Now, we’re just having that conversation about Black joy. It’s an important part of our story. It’s not just the bloodshed and the pain we’ve had to endure,” Thompson told the outlet. “There’s also a joy factor that we have to include in the narrative, that makes us human. Hopefully, this film will do that.”
The Oscar-winning director beat out fellow nominees including Emmy-winning filmmaker Stanley Nelson’sAttica, a film that recounts the 1971 uprising at Attica Correctional Facility, and award-winning directors Sushmit Ghosh and Rintu Thomas’ Writing With Fire, a film about women journalists of India’s all-female Khabar Lahariya (“News Wave”).
According to the Tampa Bay Times, the show that aired on March 27 didn’t just make noise with the Will Smith and Chris Rock fracas. Packer made history leading the first all-Black production team in the history of the 94th annual Oscars.
“I’m someone who always believes, ‘I can show you better than I can tell you.’ I’m proud of ours being the first all-Black team, but I don’t feel the need to talk about it inordinately. I’d rather show the world what we can do, and then after the fact, we can talk about how great the result was that this particular team produced. There is no doubt our skill sets and perspectives are allowing us to create a show that will be different than that of our predecessors.”
Last October, Academy President David Rubinannounced that Emmy®-nominated producer Packerhad been tapped to produce the 94th Oscars®. This production was Packer’s first time being involved with the Oscars.
The talented Packer is the founder and CEO of his own film production company, Will Packer Productions, and Will Packer Media, a television, digital, and branded content company. He has produced or executive produced many movies that have earned critical praise throughout the years. Films that may be recognizable include The Photograph, Little, What Men Want, Night School, Breaking In, Girls Trip, Ride Along 2, Straight Outta Compton, No Good Deed, Think Like a Man Too, Ride Along,Think Like a Man, Takers, Obsessed, and Stomp the Yard.
Packer has also been involved in television production as well. His list of television credits includes, That GirlLay Lay, Blackballed, Ambitions, Bigger, Being Mary Jane, and Uncle Buck. Packer’s remake of Roots earned the producer an Emmy nomination.
Netflix Wants To Monetize Password Sharing And It Could Change Subscription Models Forever
Netflix wants people who share passwords outside of their homes to pay an additional fee to keep streaming, and the plan could add more than a billion dollars in revenue.
According to Variety, Netflix has been testing the plan in Costa Rica, Chile, and Peru to address password sharing. Netflix subscribers will be able to add up to two extra member accounts for a cost likely to be between $2 and $3.
Estimates by Cowen & Co. analysts say if the streaming giant rolls out the program globally, it could add $1.6 billion to its revenue. Additionally, the firm estimates nearly 50% of non-paying Netflix password-sharing households will become paying members; further, the model predicts that about half will opt to sign up for their own separate paid account.
Netflix, which was once alone in streaming television and movies, has lost subscribers and content in recent years as more streaming services, including HBO Max, Apple TV, Paramount+, and FXNow, have popped up featuring exclusive content and large back catalogs.
“We think Netflix’s recent efforts reflect a natural progression across more mature markets and could add incremental subs and [revenue] if the test is rolled out globally,” Cowen & Co. senior research analyst John Blackledge told Seeking Alpha.
If the move is successful, it could be followed by other services, which could set a new standard for streaming services. However, others believe the move could backfire for Netflix, considering there are significantly more streaming options today.
Netflix isn’t the only service limiting how many users can access its service through one user. According to TechRadar, Microsoft will limit the number of systems sharing an Office365 account, and Adobe is doing the same with its Apps and Cloud. Netflix currently has limits on how many people sharing one account can access the streaming service simultaneously.
Nike, Kobe Bryant Estate Reach New Deal On Former The Late MVP’s Sneakers
The estate of Kobe Bryant, which is run by his wife, Vanessa Bryant, has reached a long-term deal with Nike to continue producing footwear and clothing from Bryant’s Zoom series.
The news comes nearly a year after the initial deal between Nike and Kobe Bryant expired. ESPN reports nearly 20% of NBA players have worn a Kobe Bryant shoe during NBA games since the five-time NBA champ, and his daughter Gianna and seven others died in a helicopter crash in 2020.
In an Instagram post, Vanessa Bryant said she’s excited to continue the partnership and the demand that his apparel still generates.
“We’re excited to announce our partnership with Nike is going to continue!” Vanessa Bryant wrote. “I am so proud that my husband’s shoes are still the most worn by players on NBA courts and that the demand for his shoes remain so desired by his fans around the world.”
Through the partnership, Nike will provide young athletes with access to youth sports through several initiatives planned across the globe to honor his legacy. Nike will re-release 11 of Kobe’s signature sneakers and potentially his six post-career shoes. The shoe giant will also launch a new series of Gianna Bryant shoes with a charity component.
“With this new partnership, fans will soon be able to have access to Kobe and Gigi Nike products for years to come,” Vanessa Bryant said, according to ESPN. “Nike [is] donating 100% of the net proceeds yearly for Gianna’s shoes to our Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation (M&MSF).”
According to Nike, the first release from the partnership could come on May 1, which would have been Gianna’s 16th birthday. Talks on a new agreement between the two sides stalled as the Kobe Bryant estate pushed Nike to produce a higher volume of shoes for re-releases launches and the expansion of the shoes to include kids’ sizes.
A key element in the partnership’s renewal was Nike’s commitment to launching a new basketball facility in Bryant’s name.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of BLACK ENTERPRISE.
First of all, major congratulations to Will Packer and his all-Black production team for putting on an inclusive and entertaining show last night.
The 94th Academy Awards featured a trio of funny female hosts, a choir during the In Memoriam segment, and a performance by Beyoncé. An all-around win and another feather in Mr. Packer’s cap. Well done!
Of course, most people are still discussing the slap heard around the world delivered by Oscar-winning actor Will Smith to comedian Chris Rock after the latter made a joke in poor taste about Jada Pinkett Smith’s hair loss. I’ve seen all the pearl-clutching around the interwebs since the unfortunate incident happened, and I want to take a few moments to implore many of you to take the advice Will gave Chris Rock a step further and simply keep the Smiths’ name out of your mouths. Periodt.
Will Smith hits at Chris Rock as Rock spoke on stage during the 94th Academy Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, U.S., March 27, 2022. REUTERS/Brian Snyder
First to all of you, to those who are embarrassed that Will did this at the Oscars, please spare us your hand-wringing. Chris made the joke at the Oscars. There is a time and a place for everything, and the best time and place for correction is usually at the time and place of the infraction. When will y’all let these respectability politics go!
If you really believe that white people hold the moral high ground, I feel sorry for you. Do you really think Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at The Oscars makes Black people look bad to people who didn’t already dislike Black people to begin with?
Just ask Martin Luther King Jr.’s daughter Bernice King who took to Twitter to remind folks that that tired narrative needs to take a back seat on your train of thought.
Anybody who thinks “Black people look bad” after the #Oscars already thought Black people look bad.
Respectability doesn’t cure racism.
Be Love, but please don’t think that a person who uses one moment to malign a whole group of people did not do so before that moment.
Truth be told and historically speaking, white folks have a long history of protecting their womenfolk (let that marinate)!
You out here worried about being dignified to impress people who would not invite you anyway! But you were fine with Jada Pinkett Smith being mocked for her appearance in front of an international audience. Those of you suggesting that Will should have been escorted out immediately, that Chis Rock should press charges, that Will should be arrested are the embarrassing ones.
We literally watched mostly white people storm the Capitol, defecate in the halls of justice, and go on a manhunt for the Speaker of the House and the Vice President of the United States with zip ties and most of them have gotten slaps on the wrist. And you want me to condemn Will Smith? I think not!
Secondly, for those of you who said he should have had that same energy for Regina Hall, August Alsina, Laverne Cox, or any of the many other people who have taken swipes at the Smiths’ over their ‘entanglement’ situation — could you be any more clueless?
The Smiths have taken the high road in that situation. They obviously wanted it to stay private, but Alsina was a party to the situation as well, and he had a right to tell his story. They addressed the rumors head-on and took their licks for TWO YEARS! Because they knew that by addressing it, they opened themselves up to commentary, they have never come for anyone for the teasing they have endured over that situation. This was an entirely different situation! This is his wife’s health and her self-image.
Many of you are too scared to be as transparent and open as Jada, and that’s why you keep those wigs, quick weaves, and frontals in your head, simultaneously covering and causing your bald spots and meager edges. Have some empathy and compassion for a Black woman who is coming to terms with living comfortably with a chronic disease.
I could go on and on, but I’ll simply end with how it saddens me to see the lack of empathy for Will and Jada. I know that many of you judge them for their marriage and parenting. You call them weird on Twitter and make memes out of their honesty. I feel bad for you.
Most of you have never known honor, love, respect, and admiration in a romantic relationship. You think it’s whack that they were honest with each other about seeing other people during a difficult time in their relationship, but you think it’s normal to tell lies and keep secrets. Some of you are right now trapped in mediocre or even miserable relationships because you can’t be honest about your needs and are too afraid of what people will think if you admit what you really want out loud. And you are threatened when others refuse to succumb to the same fear that keeps you silent in the face of disrespect and those Brazilian bundles glued to your head.
I’ll end with respect to Chris Rock for not further escalating the situation and having the absolute best response. After the second time Will told him to keep Jada’s name out of his mouth, he uttered the two words that should have put this matter to rest: I will.
Reneé Mack Jones is a Relationship Mediator, Speaker, the author of the Peace In My Home Planners for Busy Couples and the host of the upcoming podcast I’d Rather Die Alone.
Denzel Washington and Tyler Perry Console Will Smith After Chris Rock Slapping Incident
Actor and former rapper Will Smith won his first Oscar Award last night, but before that feat, the Fresh Prince of Bel-Airslapped comedian Chris Rock after a misguided joke toward Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Smith’s mentor, esteemed actor Denzel Washington consoled the first-time Oscar winner after the bizarre incident on live TV.
According to a Twitter post by The Hollywood Reporter’sScott Feinberg, Smith was seen speaking to Washington and Tyler Perry after the shocking incident at the Oscars Sunday night.
During the commercial break, Will Smith is pulled aside and comforted by Denzel Washington and Tyler Perry, who motion for him to brush it off. Will appears to wipe tears from his eyes as he sits back down with Jada, with Denzel comforting Jada and Will’s rep by his side. pic.twitter.com/uDGVnWrSS2
Bradley Cooper also spoke to Smith as he headed back to his seat before finding out that he won an Oscar for his performance in King Richard as Richard Williams, Venus and Serena’s father.
When Smith did accept his award, after apologizing to the Academy for the incident that previously took place, he mentioned a sentence that the Malcolm X actor expressed to him.
“At your highest moment, be careful; that’s when the devil comes for you,” Washington told Smith.
Earlier this month, after Smith won the Screen Actors Guild award for Best Actor for the same role, he mentioned in an interview that Washington had informed him that “this is your year.”
“We’ve spent a lot of time together. So we’ve been talking, he’s always been a mentor for me, and he grabbed me, and he said, ‘This is your year,’ “Smith told PEOPLE host Kay Adams. “He just hugged me, saying, ‘I’m so happy for you. Just love who you’re becoming,’”
Smith continues, “He knew me years ago. I would go to Denzel for advice, so he’s seen me through the years, and he was just telling me how proud he is of who I’ve become and what I’ve become. He was saying that he felt like a weight was lifted off of his shoulders somehow.”
Samuel L. Jackson Accepts Honorary Oscar Presented By His Long-Time Pal Denzel Washington
Samuel L. Jackson, the living Hollywood legend, accepts his first-ever honorary Oscar for lifetime achievement at the Governors Awards on Friday.
The coveted award was respectfully presented by Denzel Washington minutes before highlighting his longtime friend’s achievements and a list of charities he has worked with throughout his career. The Macbeth actor also noted Jackson’s esteemed stature as the only actor with the greatest total box office gross of all time, over $27 billion worldwide.
“Sam and I go back in the theater, the Goodman Theatre,” he shared. “We worked together even before that, at the Negro Ensemble Company. We did a pretty good play called The Soldier’s Play that became great movie, A Soldier’s Story. Wasn’t as good as it would’ve been had Sam been in it, but that’s for another day.”
Since his Hollywood debut 50 years ago, the 73-year-old has appeared in more than 150 films in his career with incredibly quotable lines moviegoers will never forget. The prolific actor is notable for his appearance in Jurassic Park (1993), Pulp Fiction (1994),Star Wars (1999-2005), Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995), Iron Man (2008), to name a few. For his infamous role in Pulp Fiction, Jackson was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the 1995 Academy Awards.
When Jackson hit the stage, the two welcomed each other in a warm embrace. But one hug wasn’t enough, as it was clear how joyous and grateful he was to receive the honor from his friend. Jackson reached out for another hug before delivering his thank-you speech.
Upon accepting his honorary award, Jackson warmly acknowledged his long-standing friendship with Washington, noting, “We’ve come a long way and done a lot of things.” He also thanked his wife of 42 years, LaTanya Richardson Jackson.
“So I’m really, really proud to receive this statue,” he said before thanking the Governors for the recognition. “Who knows, that little kid from Chattanooga, Tennessee, watching movies, wishing he could be here to get the votes of people who run an organization like this that says, ‘Hey, I deserve something like this,’ thank you, so much.”
Meanwhile, an outcry of fans, who were delighted to see Jackson receive his recognition, would have still preferred to see him accept the award on Oscar night. Fans on Twitter who watched the moment via social media a couple of days before the Oscars were shocked and unhappy about it.
I can’t believe that The Oscars missed the easy slam dunk of presenting this live to Samuel L Jackson, probably the most well-known actor to receive an Oscar this year, and definitely one of the most well-liked actors by the general public. https://t.co/ZrdyFMPqwX
samuel l jackson is the highest-grossing actor of all time, one of the most famous and beloved faces in movies, and ABC would rather introduce a twitter-voted award than televise him getting an oscar https://t.co/Fp3E6IxIPR
Why would the Oscars want to put a beloved actor getting honored and shown love on main broadcast? That’d be smart or something https://t.co/wCgndiKiCU
Penny Hardaway Facing Allegations in University of Memphis Basketball Scandal
Former NBA All-Star basketball player and current Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway may be facing penalties amid allegations that he “failed to demonstrate that he promoted an atmosphere of compliance within the men’s basketball program.”
According to The Commercial Appeal, former Orlando Magic point guard Hardaway and the University of Memphis athletics department are accused of violating several Level I and Level II rules. Former NBA player Mike Miller has also been implicated.
The newspaper has obtained documents released by the school over the weekend. Investigators have charged that there are seven separate allegations against Hardaway and the University of Memphis. who just completed his fourth season as men’s basketball coach at his alma mater. A few of the violations listed in the documents include a lack of institutional control, head coach responsibility, and failure to monitor.
Hardaway is charged with one Level I violation and two Level II violations. In the obtained documents, the specifics were redacted.
The Associated Press reported that the university denies the allegations. The university stated that the notice “contains no specific facts, and it is the specific facts that are imperative for the resolution of this matter.”
The school has been accused of infractions including four Level I and two Level II violations, according to an amended notice of allegations the university received in July 2021. Level I and Level II violations are considered the most severe NCAA infractions.
Included in the total of seven accusations are alleged violations of NCAA clauses related to lack of institutional control, head coach responsibility, and failure to monitor. The NCAA’s investigation ran from May 2019 to February 2021.
The documents also stated that data from a computer hard drive that belonged to a former assistant coach was not preserved. The University of Memphis indicated the computer belonged to former NBA player Mike Miller.
Is Will Smith’s Oscar In Jeopardy Over Slapping Chris Rock At The Oscars 2022?
Following the 94th Academy Awards ceremony, Will Smith‘s Best Actor Oscar may be in jeopardy as a result of his live onstage assault of Chris Rock.
Minutes before Smith accepted his award, Rock joked that he couldn’t wait to see Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith in “GI Jane 2.” The joke didn’t blow over well when Smith walked toward Rock onstage at Dolby Theatre and slapped him in the face.
Combination picture showing Will Smith hiting Chris Rock as Rock spoke on stage during the 94th Academy Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, U.S., March 27, 2022. REUTERS/Brian Snyder
For the “New Jack City” actor, the shocking moment was “the greatest night in the history of television.” Meanwhile, the Academy appears to disagree, especially in accordance with its code of conduct.
The Academy addressed the incident in a vague announcement from its official Twitter account:
“The Academy does not condone violence of any form. Tonight we are delighted to celebrate our 94th Academy Awards winners, who deserve this moment of recognition from their peers and movie lovers around the world.”
The Academy does not condone violence of any form.
Tonight we are delighted to celebrate our 94th Academy Awards winners, who deserve this moment of recognition from their peers and movie lovers around the world.
Twitter sprang into action, pointing out that the Academy has strict guidelines against such incidences. Given that this a live assault, many believe that the King Richard star could be asked to hand over his award.
The Academy’s conduct code, released in 2017 following the sexual misconduct scandal that overwhelmed the industry, focuses on the importance of “upholding the Academy’s values”, such as inclusion, fostering supportive environments, and “respect for human dignity”.
In a membership letter, AMPAS CEO Dawn Hudson wrote back then, “In addition to achieving excellence in the field of motion picture arts and sciences, members must also behave ethically by upholding the Academy’s values of respect for human dignity, inclusion, and a supportive environment that fosters creativity,” Variety reported.
She had added, “There is no place in the Academy for people who abuse their status, power or influence in a manner that violates recognized standards of decency. The Academy is categorically opposed to any form of abuse, harassment or discrimination on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disability, age, religion, or nationality. The Board of Governors believes that these standards are essential to the Academy’s mission and reflective of our values.”
The Academy hasn’t issued a statement yet directly addressing Smith’s actions. Nor will he be facing any legal charges, according to the LAPD.
