Amid the ongoing diversity row at this year’s Oscars, some artistes have called up-on host Chris Rock to bow out of the ceremony.
Amid the ongoing diversity row at this year’s Oscars, some artistes have called up-on host Chris Rock to bow out of the ceremony. R&B singer-songwriter Tyrese Gibson and rapper 50 Cent have urged Rock to step down.
“There is no joke that he can crack. There is no way for him to seize the moment and come into this thing and say, ‘I’m going to say this and say that I’m going to address the issue but then I’m still going to keep my gig as the host.’ The statement that you make is that you step down,” Gibson told People magazine. Rapper 50 Cent took to Instagram to write, “Chris please do not do the Oscars awards. You mean a lot man, don’t do it. Please.” Rock is yet to respond on the matter.
Meanwhile, Will Smith said on Thursday that he will not attend awards, joining his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, and others in protest against two straight years of all-white acting nominees. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is set meet next week to discuss revamping the best picture race and fight the perception that it is racist amid criticism over the lack of inclusion at this year’s Oscars nominations. The board members will meet on January 26 and there are suggestions that Academy may return to 10 best-picture contenders among other changes.
