Oscars 2023 producer explained why there were not many jokes about Will Smith at the 95th Academy Awards.

Molly McNearney, Jimmy Kimmel’s wife and executive producer of the Oscars 2023, explained why there were no “harder” jokes about Will Smith, as PEOPLE notes here.

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“We didn’t want to make this year all about last year,” the producer said, referring to the moment Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars 2022. “I cannot tell you how many Will Smith jokes we had that then we got rid of. We think that only the best for that room made it. There were certainly some that went harder, but we didn’t think that was our place to do that. That should be Chris Rock, not us.” she added.

However, some jokes were still made. “We really liked the idea of making fun of the reaction to it last year,” McNearney continued. “I think we’re all still in a bit of shock of how that went down and how after watching that violence everyone had to then sit through an acceptance speech.” she added.

One joke regarding the incident was made by Jimmy Kimmel during his opening speech. “We know this is a special night for you. We want you to have fun. We want you to feel safe. And most importantly, we want me to feel safe. So we have strict policies in place. If anyone in this theater commits an act of violence at any point during the show, you will be awarded the Oscar for Best Actor and permitted to give a 19-minute-long speech.” he joked, as the same source mentions.

Will Smith Slap

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At the Oscars 2022, Will Smith shocked the audience when he slapped Chris Rock on stage following a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. After the incident, Will Smith publicly apologized to Chris Rock for his behavior and “resigned from being a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences”, as noted here. In addition, Will Smith got a 10-year ban from the Oscars.

HOLR breaks down the details about the incident here.

Published by HOLR Magazine.