Oscars statuettes.Photo: ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images
The94th Annual Academy Awardssaw a substantial jump in ratings after last year’s record-low viewership.
Last year, about 10 million viewers watched the telecast, marking thelowest year everfor ratings. Despite the ratings boost, this year’s Oscars are the second-least-watched telecast in the awards show’s history, according to CNN.
Oscars ratings have steadily declined over the years. In 1998,the Oscarspulled in a record-high number of viewers, with an average of 55.2 million total, according toIndieWire.
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This year’s Oscars featured a shocking moment during the live telecast whenWill SmithslappedChris Rockacross the face about two-and-a-half hours into the show. CNN reports that it’s currently “unclear” if the incident “had any tangible impact on overall viewership.”
After Rock joked about Jada’s hair resemblingDemi Moore’s shaved head inG.I. Jane,saying, “Jada, I love ya.G.I. Jane 2, can’t wait to see ya,” Will left his seat and joined Rock onstage, where he slapped him across the face.
“Oh wow.Will Smithjust smacked the s— out of me,” Rock said shortly after. Will then yelled from his seat, “Keep my wife’s name out your f—ing mouth!”
Rock replied, “Wow, dude, it was aG.I. Janejoke,” and continued to present the Best Documentary award.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences issued a statementcondemning Will’s actionsMonday afternoon. Later that day, theKing Richardactor shared apublic apologyto Rock and others on Instagram.
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“Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable,” Will wrote. He added, “I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris.
“I was out of line and I was wrong,” he continued. “I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be.”
Rock has not yet publicly commented on the incident. Hedeclined to press charges.
source: people.com
