Mel Gibson Laughs Off Question From Fox News Host Regarding Will Smith Slap Incident

The scuffle between Will Smith and Chris Rock at the 2022 Academy Awards has sparked a lot of debate on the internet. From discussions about Jada Pinkett Smith's Alopecia to Smith's slap on the Rock, the aftermath of the confrontation appears to be far from done.

Several celebrities have also joined the bandwagon, with some supporting the comedian and others siding with the Smith family. On the other hand, Mel Gibson does not appear interested in becoming involved in the situation.

The actor recently spoke to Fox News about his upcoming film "Father Stu," but he declined to comment on "The Slap."

Read below for more details.

Following a discussion about his actor's next film, Fox journalist Jesse Watters asked Gibson about his thoughts on the slap.

"You understand it probably better than a lot of people, with your career," said Watters, "I was wondering if [...] you had been the one that jumped up out of his seat and slapped Chris Rock, if you would have been treated the same way, Mel?"

Rather than launching a tirade at Smith for forcefully assaulting Rock or chastising the comic for trivializing Pinkett's illness, the "Passion of the Christ" filmmaker chose to go his own way. He shook his palm and raised his finger to the camera, indicating that he didn't want to answer.

Off-camera, a female voice, purportedly his public relations assistant, remarked, "Hello, Jessie? Thank you. That's our time." Watters, however, did not instantly bulge as he attempted to elicit a response from his visitor.

When the news journalist realized Gibson would not react, he thanked his guest and ended the interview.

Gibson's refusal in commenting might have been due to a variety of factors. When looking back at his past, it's clear that the actor has a history of causing controversy and did not want to get his hands dirty with such a delicate subject.

Gibson had a notorious DUI arrest in Malibu in 2006, during which he launched an anti-Semitic rant for which he subsequently apologized. However, he was compelled to take a break from Hollywood, among other media and public backlash at the time.

On another occasion, Gibson was accused of screaming racial insults at his then-girlfriend, Oksana Grigorieva, which subsequently led to a bitter dispute that heralded the end of their relationship and left the Academy Award winner's reputation damaged.

Following his tumultuous past littered with incidents of drunkenness, antisemitism, domestic abuse, and a string of controversial audio leaks, Gibson has tried to rebuild his Hollywood image over the years with cameos in "Machete 2," "The Expendables 3" and "Daddy's Home 2," and later gaining more traction for his Oscar-nominated film "Hacksaw Ridge."

The next film starring the "Lethal Weapon" star, is titled "Father Stu." The movie seeks to shed more light on every human's potential for redemption, even after they have dug themselves into a hole. Based on a true story, the film will follow the protagonist on his journey from a life of frivolity to living for a purpose greater than himself.

Although Gibson will only have a supporting role in the film, the plot will undoubtedly go a long way toward helping to rehabilitate the actor's image, even if the financial compensation may not be significant.

Meanwhile, the Oscars incident, which was sparked by Rock's remark regarding Smith's wife's hair condition, has had far-reaching ramifications. First, the Academy has denounced Smith's acts and has initiated a formal investigation that may determine whether he can keep his best actor Oscar for "King Richard."

Will Smith also resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences following his apology for his aggressive behavior at the award ceremony a week ago. The actor is still under significant scrutiny for the time being, and he may be hesitant to take on new projects owing to the cloud of controversy that hangs over him.

If Gibson could claw his way back into Hollywood despite all the questionable acts he has done, there should definitely be hope for Smith after the public frenzy around the Oscars incident dies down.