Things happen: Rahman on ‘sweetheart’ Smith’s slapgate

Almost a month after the Oscars 2022 ceremony, singer-composer AR Rahman reacted to Hollywood actor Will Smith slapping actorcomedian Chris Rock at the event.

Rahman recently made an appearance on a comedy show hosted by Kapil Sharma, and during a segment that involves the host showing funny comments on Instagram posts of guests, Rahman was shown comments below his picture with Smith. The photo was shared in 2018.

When Rahman was shown his picture and the sarcastic comments on the post, the singer-composer defended the actor and said, “He is a sweetheart. He is a nice person.” The musician further added, while hinting at the slapgate incident, “Sometimes such things happen.”

As a video clip from the particular episode was shared online, Rahman’s statements about Smith invited mixed reactions from Reddit users. A user reacted by writing, “Great point! But you will be down voted to the moon.” Several others took Rahman’s side, claiming that he had the right to express his opinion.

Another user wrote, “A man can have an opinion! Everyone who sides with Will Smith are not psychopaths or abusers! We should have the patience to listen to both sides without judgements… which is what is lacking in todays ‘woke’ world. If you have an unpopular opinion you are crucified for it. (sic)”. Another commented, “Fair enough. He is entitled to his opinion.”

Actor Blake Lively, who co-chaired the event with her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, as well as Regina King and Linmanuel Miranda, looked stunning in a Versace gown that transformed from shimmering rose gold to aqua blue. Not only were her fans surprised, even her husband was amused at the transformation. Lively’s look incorporated elements of several iconic New York buildings completed during the Gilded Age. Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds

PHOTO: BRIAN SNYDER/REUTERS