Will Smith Thought He Was Protecting His Wife. Instead, He Was Excusing Violence as “Love”

As a Black woman and survivor of domestic violence, I was re-traumatized by Will Smith’s attack on Chris Rock during the Oscars. I watched in confusion as Smith marched toward Rock to deliver his blow, ostensibly in defense of his wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith, who was the butt of a joke made by the presenter. After the display of violence, Smith returned to his seat and repeatedly screamed at Rock: “Keep my wife’s name out of your f*cking mouth.” I was triggered. The online world was whipped into a frenzy. Debates revealed an America torn between vilification of Smith for his… Read Full Article