DJ Jazzy Jeff is once again coming to the defense of his best friend and frequent collaborator Will Smith. The slap heard around the world is seemingly still a trendy topic. During a recent interview, the legendary record producer claimed the “King Richard” star would’ve “slapped Mike Tyson,” referring to the narrative that Smith attacked Chris Rock due to his dominance in size over the veteran comedian.
“I’ve had people say, ‘Oh, he wouldn’t have done that to no gangsta,’ Jeff said While appearing on the Faq Podcast. “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 of times running straight.”
Jeff felt strongly that the “Bad Boys” star would’ve attacked anyone, regardless of size, if it meant protecting his loved ones, adding, “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.”
The “Summertime” musician maintained that Smith’s actions “Wasn’t for fake. It wasn’t for show. It was–I have to protect. If that was a grizzly bear, he would have did it. I know him. And it wasn’t who’s harder, who’s tough… who’s this. It’s kind of like: If somebody is messing with your kid, you would do whatever you need to do.”
Still, he admitted that he did not condone his friend’s actions but understood the experiences Smith went through that may have laid the groundwork for an incident like this. “That’s all it was. It was a bad choice of judgment,” he added.
While many have chosen sides, social media users seemed to appreciate insight from the person who’s known the “Men in Black” star for nearly 40 years.
“Jeff always seems to have great answers for things,” wrote one YouTube user. “Being a DJ I listen to a lot of his perspectives and opinions about he DJ culture and its community. Another great perspective… I have been wanting to hear what he thought of the Will incident. Jeff is a class act for sure.”
Smith garnered and continues to face immense backlash after slapping Rock after the actor made fun of his wife’s shaved head. He has since apologized to the Academy and the actor and was banned from any Oscars-related event for the next ten years.
