Will Smith & Chris Rock | How should HR handle an Oscars-style fracas at work?

In its almost 94-year history, the iconic Oscars (also known as the Academy Awards) ceremony has been the pinnacle of celebrating the professional work of the world’s best film makers.

The annual event is usually filled with directors, producers and actors giving teary-eyed speeches, thanking those that defined their journeys to success.

However, the ceremony was shaken last night when, live on air, actor Will Smith appeared to smack Chris Rock following a controversial joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Just moments later, Smith was invited to collect an award for ‘Best Actor’ from the stage.

Whilst some may question the link between a movie star feud and the role of HR in the workplace, it’s important to note that this fracas took place at what was essentially an industry-specific professional awards ceremony.