'Will Would've Slapped Mike Tyson': DJ Jazzy Jeff Says Oscars Slap Would've Happened Regardless Of Who Made Joke About Jada Pinkett Smith

You can always count on DJ Jazzy Jeff to come to the defense of his pal, Will Smith.

In a recent interview with the Faq Podcast, DJ Jazzy Jeff reflected on Will Smith’s decision to slap Chris Rock onstage at the 94th Academy Awards after the comedian made a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.

“When it happened and I saw him walk up there, the one thing I would say – ’cause I’ve had people say, ‘Oh he wouldn’t have done that to no gangsta,'” DJ Jazzy Jeff said. “Let me tell you something about Will. Will is somebody that cliff dove in Jamaica and couldn’t swim. Will was the person that whatever he’s afraid of, he runs to. I ain’t got that in me. I don’t have that in me at all. I’ve watched Will almost die numerous times running straight.

“Let me tell you something about Will. Will is somebody that cliff dove in Jamaica and couldn’t swim. Will was the person that whatever he’s afraid of, he runs to. I ain’t got that in me. I don’t have that in me at all. I’ve watched Will almost die numerous times running straight.

During the interview, DJ Jazzy Jeff revealed that the slap would’ve occurred regardless of who was delivering the joke about Jada.

“Will would’ve slapped Mike Tyson. It did not matter who was there. Will would’ve got his ass beat, but he was going to do what he was going to do regardless of who it was. It wasn’t for fake,” he continued. “It wasn’t for show. I have to protect. If that was a grizzly bear, he would have did it. I know him.”

This isn’t DJ Jazzy Jeff’s first time defending Will Smith.

In an interview on WGCI Morning Show’s Kyle Santillian, at Dorian’s Through The Record Shop, the turntablist revealed that Smith has kept his composure all throughout his career, despite being under intense scrutiny.

“I can name 50 times where he should’ve smacked the s–t outta somebody, and he didn’t. So for him to have a lapse of judgment, he’s human,” DJ Jazzy Jeff said. “I think a lot of the criticism comes from the people who don’t think people that that are human.”

Will Smith accepted the Academy’s 10-year ban

In the aftermath of the slap seen around the world, the Academy opened an official investigation into Smith’s actions. Before they came to a conclusion, Smith issues three apologies: one onstage while accepting his award for Best Actor for his work in King Richard, another on Instagram, and also when he announced his resignation from the Academy and rescinded his membership.

Still, the Academy has placed a 10-year ban on Smith from attending the Oscars.

Despite such, Smith can be nominated and even win awards within that time period. Smith says he accepts the consequences. The Academy also noted that calls from industry insiders to take back Smith’s Oscars were declined considering other awardees’ more severe and criminal actions, i.e. Roman Polanski, and their ability to keep their honors.

Brenda Alexander also contributed to this report. 

Listen to the podcast episode below: