Andrew Garfield admits he was texting friends during the Oscars after Will Smith slap
‘At that moment, my friends took priority over Kevin [Costner],’ who was presenting, Garfield said
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Andrew Garfield addressed images of himself texting during the Oscars ceremony after Will Smith slapped presenter Chris Rock on stage.
Garfield, appearing on ABC's The View on Thursday (28 April), was asked “what perhaps” he could have been texting about.
“That’s none of your business,” Garfield joked in response before expressing regret for missing Kevin Costner’s introduction to the Best Director nominees, which followed the slap.
“I feel so bad because Kevin Costner’s introducing the director nominees in the most beautiful and elegant way, and I’m like, ‘There’s no way I’m going to be on camera during this,’” Garfield said. Photos of the actor on his phone quickly turned into a viral meme.
The actor explained: “Everyone’s texting me, asking me, like, what the vibe in the room is. At that moment, my friends took priority over Kevin.”
Garfield and Smith were both nominated for Best Actor at the 94th Academy Awards, with Smith going on to win for his turn as Venus and Serena Williams’ father in King Richard.
Garfield then refused to comment on the slap itself, saying: “There’s no need for me to weigh in on that. It’s every possible version of the discussion has happened, and I have no interest in adding my voice to something that’s already been said well.”
Rock’s mother recently said it felt like Smith physically hurt her too when he slapped her son after the comedian had made a joke about Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved haircut.
Smith apologised and resigned from the Academy on 1 April. On 8 April, the Academy moved to ban Smith from Oscars ceremonies for the next 10 years.
Pinkett Smith addressed the incident in the trailer for the new series of her Facebook Watch series Red Table Talk, saying: “Considering all that has happened in the last few weeks, the Smith family has been focusing on deep healing.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments