Billy Crystalis weighing in onWill SmithstrikingChris Rockat the 94thAcademy Awardslast month.
While on CNN+‘sWho’s Talking to Chris Wallace,Crystal first said Rock’s joke “wasn’t a great” one, adding, “Why go after her? I thought it was misplaced.”
“I love Chris and we’re friends and I so respect him. I just thought it was wrong,” the actor and comedian continued.
Al Seib /A.M.P.A.S. via Getty; Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic; Jason Merritt/Getty
He added that he was watchingthe Oscarslive and shared his initial reaction, calling Smith’s move a “crime.”
“Uh-oh. Uh-oh,” said Crystal, of his reaction. “And then, fortunately –– it was a horrible thing and it’s a crime –– the fortunate thing is it wasn’t a closed fist. ‘Cause then you might have had a Kermit Washington situation,” he added, referencing former Los Angeles Lakers player Washington who threw a nearly-fatal punch at Houston Rockets small forward Rudy Tomjanovich during a game in 1977, per theAssociated Press.
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
TheWhen Harry Met Sally…star previouslyshared his thoughts on the controversial slap, tellingBob Costason the HBO Max seriesBack on the Record, that it was the “most disturbing incident.”
Added Crystal: “It was an assault. I’ve had experiences. I hosted the Grammys three times and I’ve been thrown things,” perDeadline.
Earlier this month, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ board of governors decided to ban Will from Oscars ceremonies and other Academy eventsfor the next 10 years.
RELATED VIDEO: HowWill SmithSmacking Chris Rock atthe Oscars— and the Aftermath — Unfolded
“During our telecast, we did not adequately address the situation in the room. For this, we are sorry. This was an opportunity for us to set an example for our guests, viewers and our Academy family around the world, and we fell short — unprepared for the unprecedented,” they added in part.
source: people.com
