Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi
(Picture: PA Wire)Nadhim Zahawi has warned school pupils not to resort to physical violence as he defended Will Smith following an altercation with Chris Rock at the Oscars.
Smith sparked controversy at the 94th Academy Awards on Sunday night after he walked on stage and slapped comedian Chris Rock for making a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s haircut.
Mr Zahawi, who is the Education Secretary, said Will Smith was a talented actor and commended the Hollywood star for later apologising.
Asked how he would explain the incident to children if he was a teacher, he told BBC Breakfast: “I would say, don’t do it.
“You could see Will Smith - my heart broke when I saw him during that tearful apology.
“He apologised immediately. It was hard for him because someone had made a joke about his wife and her illness. That’s not easy but he regretted it and apologised immediately. It is heart-breaking when you lose control of your emotions in that way but I think it’s important not to allow yourself to cross that line.
“And he apologised immediately which was good to see – a very talented man, his first Oscar in a fantastic film King Richard, which is about Serena and Venus Williams and their story and their father’s focus on education, actually.
“The father wanted them to be great tennis stars but he also wanted them to be really highly educated and speak a number of languages. It’s a brilliant, brilliant tale of aspiration for that family. But my heart went out to Will Smith and his family.”
The incident at the Oscars was sparked after Chris Rock made a joke at the expense of Smith’s wife.
Referring to Pinkett Smith’s buzzcut, Rock said: “Jada, can’t wait for GI Jane 2.”
Smith walked up on stage and appeared to hit Rock before returning to his seat and shouting: “Keep my wife’s name out of your f****** mouth.”
Rock appeared shocked as he tried to resume presenting the best documentary feature category.
Making light of the situation, he said: “That was the greatest night in the history of television.”
Smith later won the award for best actor for his portrayal of Richard Williams – the father of tennis stars Venus and Serena – in the highly-acclaimed film King Richard.
Taking to the stage to accept the award, Smith said: “Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his family.
“In this time in my life, in this moment, I am overwhelmed by what God is calling me to do and be in this world.”
He added: “I’m being called on in my life to love people and to protect people and to be a river to my people.
“I know to do what we do you’ve got to be able to take abuse, you’ve got to be able to have people talk crazy about you in this business.
“You’ve got to be able have people disrespecting you and you’ve got to smile and pretend like that’s OK.”
