Comedians in danger: Paresh Rawal extends support to Chris Rock, Zelensky

Will Smith slapped Rock at the 94th Academy Awards after the comedian took a jibe at his wife's sickness

In the wake of Will Smith and Chris Rock’s slapgate at the Oscars, Bollywood actor Paresh Rawal extended his support to comedians across the world. The Hera Pheri actor took to social media to defend Chris Rock and also sympathised with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a former comedian. 

Rawal is of the opinion that comedians are in “danger,” referring to how the Oscar-winning King Richard star reacted to a tasteless joke. Taking to Twitter, he wrote, “Comedians are in danger everywhere, be it Chris or [Volodymyr] Zelensky!” referring to the President of Ukraine.

Comedians are in Danger everywhere , be it Chris or Zelensky !!!

— Paresh Rawal (@SirPareshRawal) March 29, 2022

The “danger” in question for the comedian turned politician, Zelensky is the war between Russia and Ukraine, which entered its fifth week now. The war has so far killed hundreds and injured thousands of people and has triggered one of the worst refugee crises in Europe since World War 2. The war began in Ukraine on February 24 as Russia invaded the country.

The controversial turn that materialised Rawal's reaction, amongst other celebrities, at the 94th Academy Awards on Sunday was Rock’s joke about Smith’s wife and actor, Jada Pinket Smith. Taking a jab at Jada’s shaved head, he asked if she had any plans of appearing in G I Jane 2. "Jada I love you, G I Jane 2, can't wait to see it," he said, referencing the 1997 film in which Demi Moore undergoes Navy Seal training and shaves her head to appear less feminine. Jada, who has been vocal about her struggle with alopecia, was uncomfortable because of the joke. Sensing the discomfort, Smith slapped Rock on stage and yelled curse words at him.

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