Actor Mel Gibson had nothing to say after Fox News host Jesse Watters asked him about the Will Smith incident.
Gibson was interviewed April 1 as part of his promotional efforts for his new film “Father Stu” when Watters steered the interview to the March 27 incident at the Oscars in which Smith slapped Chris Rock
Gibson had just finished a segment of the congenial interview devoted to a discussion of the rampant egotism of modern America when Watters shifted ground.
“You understand it probably better than a lot of people, with your career,” said Watters.
“I was wondering if, you know, you had been the one that jumped up out of his seat and slapped Chris Rock, if you would have been treated the same way, Mel?” he said
Exclusive one-on-one with Mel Gibson #FoxNews pic.twitter.com/C13wogYZSm
— Jesse Watters Primetime (@jesseprimetime) April 1, 2022
Gibson pointed his finger at the camera and shook his head, appearing to laugh as his audio cut out.
A female voice off-camera replied for Gibson, saying, “Hello, Jessie? Thank you. That’s our time.”
The Fox News host gave it one more try, asking “Have you ever thought about that?”
The unseen voice then intervened
“Thank you, Jesse. That is our time.”
Somewhere out there, Mel Gibson’s like: “Why am I trending because Will Smith slapped Chris Rock???” pic.twitter.com/xIuJEXiZzX
— Fuzzy Chimp ?? (@fuzzychimpcom) March 28, 2022
That Friday, Smith officially resigned as a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences due to the incident.
“My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable. The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all those in attendance, and global audiences at home,” he said in a statement, according to Variety.
“I am heartbroken. I want to put the focus back on those who deserve attention for their achievements and allow the Academy to get back to the incredible work it does to support creativity and artistry in film,” he said in the statement.
Mel Gibson dragged into ‘slap-gate’ as fans call for him to lose Oscar if Will Smith doeshttps://t.co/1MEoiPL0ZE
— Express Celebrity ? (@expressceleb) April 1, 2022
The Academy had a meeting planned for April 18 to discuss how to handle Smith, who for now keeps his Oscar and the right to be honored by the Academy, but no longer is considered a voting member.
The Screen Actors Guild has also issued a statement saying that it “will work to ensure this behavior is appropriately addressed.”
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.
