Topline
Americans’ view of actor Will Smith has plummeted from where it was in 2020, a new Morning Consult poll finds, after he drew widespread criticism for slapping comedian Chris Rock at the Academy Awards Sunday night.
Actor Will Smith (R) slaps actor Chris Rock onstage during the 94th Oscars at the Dolby Theater in , [+]
Key Facts
Only 50% of US adults now view Smith favorably, the poll found, down from 80% in January 2020 and 77% in September 2018.
A higher share of, 60%, have a favorable view of Rock.
A 66% majority said they found Smith’s behavior at the Oscars “somewhat” or “very” inappropriate, while only 26% approved of it (9% had no opinion).
A 50% plurality did not believe Smith’s apology during his Oscars acceptance speech—in which he apologized to the Academy, but not to Rock personally—was “adequate,” and 49% believed Smith should have been removed from the ceremony for his actions ( only 23% thought Rock should have).
Respondents were split on whether Smith should be invited back to the awards next year, with 42% saying he definitely or probably should be and 40% saying he shouldn’t (19% were unsure).
The poll was conducted among 6,609 US adults from March 30-31, a few days after the Oscars ceremony on March 27.
,
Credit: www.forbes.com /