The Tony Awards recall in a letter their policy of “non-violence” after the slap of Will Smith

No question of reliving the episode of the Oscars. After the slap in the face by Will Smith in the middle of the Oscars ceremony last March, the Tony Awards, which will be held on June 12 in New York, warn against any act of violence.

The ceremony which rewards each year the best theatrical productions in the United States was clear. In a letter sent to potential ticket buyers, the producers specified that no inappropriate gesture would be tolerated, reported Deadline which obtained this letter.

Precise rules

No gray area, the rules are laid down. “The Tony Awards have a strict policy of non-violence”, wrote the production before specifying the measures which would be taken in the event of a skid. “In the event of an incident, the author will be immediately expelled from the event”. If the episode of the Oscars is not directly mentioned, difficult not to see a parallel there.

For the record, on the night of March 27 to 28, actor Will Smith went on stage to slap comedian Chris Rock, after the latter joked about the haircut of his wife Jada Pinkett Smith, who suffered from alopecia.

Avoid the quack of the Oscars

An unprecedented situation that had taken the Academy of the Oscars by surprise. Asked to leave the ceremony after his stroke, Will Smith had refused. He then went on stage to receive the Oscar for best actor. In April, the president of the Academy, David Rubin, and its director general, Dawn Hudson had admitted not “having reacted correctly to the situation”, during the televised broadcast and thanked Chris Rock for his composure.

The Tony Awards have drawn the consequences and are taking the lead. In addition to this anti-violence measure, the Tony Awards, which will take place at Radio City Music Hall, in New York, have also specified a few other rules, requiring the wearing of a black tie and proof of anti-Covid vaccination.

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