Scott Morrison Empathises With Why Will Smith Slapped Chris Rock At The Oscars

Scott Morrison has been lambasted by former Australian of the Year Grace Tame over his wild comments about the infamous Oscars slap.

The Prime Minister revealed on Brisbane radio that he can 'understand' why Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars.

Mr Morrison's reasoning behind the comments was his protective feelings for his wife, Jenny.

He made the remark when asked if he ever felt the need to cross the floor to slap someone in parliament.

“I’m also fiercely defensive of anyone who would say anything about Jenny too, so I can understand it,” the Prime Minister said laughing.

He then added: “That’s not how you roll.”

Former Australian of the Year Grace Tame took to social media to roast the Prime Minister for his comments, telling her followers that he was perpetuating a 'dangerous' message.

“Show sympathy for acts of violence using love as the excuse, sure that’s a great message from a prime minister,” Tame said.

“Perpetrators of paedophilia, sexual assault, domestic violence and other forms of abuse—who are already empowered - see this and are encouraged.

“Survivors - who are disempowered - see it and are discouraged.

“Messages like this are dangerous. They reinforce a stark imbalance of power.”

The Prime Minister's comments refer to the wildest Oscars night in recent history where award presenter Chris Rock was at the receiving end of an angry flattened palm from Will Smith.

Smith's violent outburst was sparked after the comedian made a fairly barbed quip at Smith's wife.

Mocking her hair – which she cuts short due to her alopecia – Rock said: "Jada, can't wait for G.I. Jane 2."

Smith saw red, Rock was slapped, and the 94th Academy Awards went down in history.

Will Smith went on to win Best Actor for his role in King Richard, with the Academy now revealing that he was only there to collect the accolade because he refused to leave when asked by Oscars security.

Smith has since issued a public apology to Chris Rock and to the Academy for his actions, while the Academy has launched an investigation into the incident.

Celebrities, the public and comedians have roasted Smith for his assault on Rock, with Aussie comedians revealing they fear rogue audience members attacking their entertainers in the hope to become the 'next Will Smith'.

So we'll say it again for those in the back: We do not hit people.

Featured Image Credit: Dpa picture alliance / Alamy Stock Photo. REUTERS / Alamy Stock Photo.

Topics: News, Australia, Will Smith, Politics

Rachel Lang

Rachel Lang is a Digital Journalist at LADbible. During her career, she has interviewed Aussie PM Malcolm Turnbull in the lead up to the 2016 federal election, ran an editorial campaign on the war in Yemen, and reported on homelessness in the lead-up to Harry and Meghan’s wedding in Windsor. She also once wrote a yarn on the cheese and wine version of Fyre Festival.

@rlangjournalist