The biggest story in the United States has finally been brought to the attention of President Joe Biden and that is Will Smith slapping Chris Rock.
White House communications director Kate Bedingfield on Tuesday said President Biden “didn’t see” actor Will Smith slap comedian Chris Rock at the Oscars and that the White House therefore could not condemn the action. Journalist Simon Ateba of Today News Africa asked Bedingfield to address the Sunday night slap.
“You saw the level of violence that was unleashed on Chris Rock. Is that something that the White House condones — that type of violence? Do you condemn it? And do you do anything to support comedians who have been attacked and other artists?” Ateba asked.
Bedingfield added, “I don’t have any official comment from the White House on the altercation.”
“I know the president was not able to watch the Oscars — didn’t see it,” she added. “So I don’t have anything. I don’t have any official comment from him or from the White House on this.”
Ateba followed up, asking, “Do you condemn the violence at the Oscars? Is that something that you condemn?”
Bedingfield repeated, “I don’t have a White House comment on that.”
Smith punched Rock after the comedian referred to Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, as “G.I. Jane.” Smith, who could be seen laughing about it, quickly changed his tune once he saw his wife not happy about it. He stormed on stage and slapped Rock across the face.
Pinkett Smith suffers from a hair loss disorder called alopecia.
