Serena Williams’ father Richard Williams finally breaks his silence on Will Smith slapping Chris Rock
The actor had portrayed the famous father of the Williams sisters in the Oscar-winning film 'King Richard'
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The Oscars moment/ Richard Williams
Richard Williams, the father of Venus and Serena, revealed his thoughts on Will Smith’s slap on Chris Rock onstage during the 2022 Oscar awards ceremony last March. Williams said he doesn’t resent Smith and isn’t judging him for his mistake. He also said he is thankful for Smith’s efforts in portraying Williams as well as he did in the movie ‘King Richard.’ He joked that Smith can slap him when they meet.
Immediately after the incident, the Williams family issued a statement stating they do not condone violence. Richard Williams has now elaborated on his thoughts about the incident in an interview with the US Sun. He said, “I think that whatever he [Will] wants to do, that’s what he should do. People are going to think what they want to think.If he apologized [that’s good], however he wants to deal with the situation. I wouldn’t judge anyone.” Williams believes the consequences of the slap were too harsh on Smith. “They should let him keep his Oscar, too. When a person [has] worked for [it] so much, then leave it alone.”
Will Smith shocked the world when he got on stage and slapped comedian Chris Rock during the Oscars. Rock had made a joke about Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, which visibly upset Smith. Pinkett-Smith suffers from a disease called alopecia. The joke touched a nerve for Smith who walked up to the comedian and slapped him. He returned to his seat screaming, “Keep my wife’s name out your f***ing mouth.” A shocked Rock continued with his segment as the audience fell into silence. Smith later returned to the stage to accept the Best Actor award for his portrayal of Richard Williams.
On the podium, Smith said he must look like a crazy father, just like Richard Williams. This surprised Williams’ son Chavoita LeSane who says his father is not violent. “I don’t know if my dad holds grudges against anyone and my dad will always take the high road. That’s something I admire about my dad,” Lesane said. He said that Richard hadn’t been actively involved in the making of ‘King Richard’ as they were working on a documentary called ‘On the Line.‘ The film charts Williams’ journey from the 1980s to the present day. The documentary features several unseen interviews spanning decades and Williams has lent his voice to it. The widely praised feature has generated excitement when it was shown at film festivals and is set to release in cinemas.
Richard Williams’ recent health problems
‘King Richard’ Williams has been struggling with his health recently. The 80-year-old was rumoured to be suffering from brain damage and dementia though nothing was confirmed. His son Chavoita LeSane has now confirmed the reports on his condition.
LeSane revealed that Williams’ has suffered a stroke and had undergone brain surgery in Florida. But he said that his father’s condition is improving and he is much better now. “He’s definitely okay and happy. After he had the stroke I lived with him for about two years, maybe a little longer.The doctors in Miami did an amazing job, especially with his brain surgery.“
He also revealed that Williams is now living alone and is taking care of himself. “He drives again now and cares for himself mostly, he’s truly blessed,” LeSane said. It’s great to hear that such a legendary tennis figure is doing well and that fans around the world will get to hear more from him in his new documentary.
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Samarth Srivastava
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