In a recent interview with Variety, renowned actor Sean Penn expressed his passionate views on the controversial incident at the 2022 Oscars involving Will Smith and Chris Rock. Penn’s remarks not only shed light on his feelings about the matter but also touch upon broader issues related to the event.

Sean Penn’s Displeasure with the Oscars

Expressing Frustration

During the interview, Sean Penn didn’t mince his words when discussing the Oscars. He voiced his frustration with the Academy’s decision not to include a speech by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the telecast, a decision made amidst the backdrop of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Academy’s Light-Hearted Approach

Penn criticized the Oscars producer for deeming Zelenskyy’s speech as not “light-hearted enough.” He raised questions about the alternative the Academy presented, which was the dramatic incident involving Will Smith.

Limited Interaction with Smith

Penn acknowledged that he has only met Will Smith once and found him to be “very nice.” He also praised Smith’s performance in ‘King Richard.’ However, he couldn’t fathom why Smith engaged in the controversial act.

Reflecting on Personal Experience

Sean Penn Recalling His Own Jail Time

In a rather personal and reflective moment, Sean Penn referenced his own past. He mentioned a time in 1987 when he was sentenced to 60 days in jail for an incident on the set of his film ‘Colors,’ where he struck a movie extra. He ultimately served a little over half of his sentence.

Smith’s Resignation and Apology

Smith’s actions at the Oscars resulted in his resignation from the Academy, followed by an apology. This incident deeply puzzled Penn, who questioned why he had to go to jail for something seemingly less significant than what Smith did.

Audience Reaction

Penn was also critical of the audience’s response to Smith’s actions. He wondered why people were standing and applauding what he considered to be Smith’s worst moment as a person.

Penn’s Take on the Alternatives

The Absence of Zelenskyy

Penn firmly believed that the incident involving Will Smith and Chris Rock would not have occurred if the Oscars had featured President Zelenskyy’s speech. He asserted that Smith would never have left his seat to engage in such a display of violence.

Takeaway

In conclusion, Sean Penn’s interview with Variety provides a glimpse into his strong opinions regarding the Oscars incident. His words reflect not only his personal experiences but also his disappointment with the Academy’s decisions and the actions of those involved.