My only thought when I saw it was that Will Smith is telling his fans violence is ok. I quipped on Twitter:
"Yes, kids, violence is the answer" —Will Smith
The joke may have been in bad taste, but it was a joke. Insult comics have told far far worse things (and Rock isn't an insult comic, he just does jokes that border on it sometimes). And in another light, it could be taken as praise: as GI Jane was a tough woman and an inspiration. Rock might have responded with that, but I'm sure he was both shocked and trying to resist firing back with all the zingers that were filling his head; he was trying to be professional, in other words.
I think this reflects very badly on Smith. It also reflects badly on Hollywood, that they would allow an assault to happen and not do anything. If a a non-actor had assaulted Rock, security guards would have been all over him. But Smith not only doesn't get escorted out, he gets to give his speech later. Great lesson, Hollywood. Violence is the answer, I guess.
Well said. We should not condone violence because it will bolster its perpetuity, even on the big screen. Chris was simply doing his job as a comic. Although, I would say he should have let this one pass given his history with the Smiths. However, it in no way justifies Will's actions.