On Slaps and Celebrity

The same way you can’t have a healthy relationship without accepting a person’s flaws, you can’t really be a “fan” unless you’re willing to accept the celebrity’s shortcomings.

This is a Mindf*ck Monthly newsletter from April 1, 2022. Every month, I send out big ideas I’ve been chewing on in the hopes that it makes you less of a shitty person.

Let’s dive right in.

The Slap

Last weekend, Will Smith walked on stage at the Oscars and slapped Chris Rock for making a joke about his wife. Since that moment, my phone and inbox have been inundated non-stop with people (friends, family, readers, journalists) wanting my “take” on the situation. After all, I just spent three years co-writing a book with Will about mastering one’s emotions. What the hell?

First, let’s begin with the obvious: What he did was unacceptable. What I write here is not meant to justify or excuse his actions. He has already apologized to Chris and others in a public statement. These are simply my personal thoughts and observations, since so many have asked for them.

Second, let’s get my biases out of the way. I am no longer professionally involved with Will. We have no solid plans to work…