NEWSComedy Club Puts Up Signs Warning Will Smith Copycats Will Not Be Tolerated As Reports Surface Chris Rock Isn't Considering Suing Over The Slap
Comedy venues appear to be on edge after Will Smith stunned the world when he slapped Chris Rock in the face at the 94th Academy Awards after the comedian poked fun at Jada Pinkett Smith's hair loss.
New York comedy club Stand Up NY recently decided it was best to play it safe and put up a sign warning guests against any copycat attempts at recreating the most talked about event at the famed awards show.
"Comedians play a critical role in our society, especially during times of chaos and uncertainty," the sign — complete with photos of Smith and Rock mid-slap — read. "They make us laugh, bring perspective and remind us there are different ways of seeing our reality. Comics must be protected."
"Heckling and physical abuse of comics is prohibited, and patrons will be immediately removed from the showroom," the statement concluded.
Club owner Dani Zoldan told TMZ the management felt it was an unfortunately necessary warning after all of the attention the slap has gotten since Sunday. She also claimed she "emphatically disavows" Smith's actions, and will continue to stand by her business' staunch belief that "comedians are here to entertain us and make us laugh ... and that they deserve respect."
- Chris Rock Tells Audience He's 'Still Kind Of Processing' Shocking Will Smith Slap In First Comedy Show Since The Oscars
- Academy Accused Of Lying About Will Smith Being Asked To Leave Oscars After Chris Rock Slap
- More Drama For Chris Rock: Man Arrested & Removed From Comedian's First Stand-Up Show Since Infamous Oscars Slap
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This comes as reports surface that suing Smith over the shocking altercation is the furthest things from Rock's mind
“He isn’t even thinking of suing, he’s focused on his tour,” a friend close to The Longest Yard actor told Page Six.
Despite the slap, the Head of State star is seemingly in a great mood as he prepares to take the stage for his sold-out Boston gig officially kicking off his comedy tour which reportedly features over 100 shows.
Ever since Sunday night, ticket prices for Rock's ongoing comedy tour have skyrocketed with some seats being listed at a whopping $1,350.
Following his appearances in Boston, the comic is set to head to Atlantic City and then California.
