If Smith is not charged, it could imperil the justice system's credibility

[exboyfil]

10. Makes a great point but without a complainant

I don't realistically know how you proceed. There are no visible injuries to Chris Rock. If he doesn't cooperate then you have the specter of it being staged instead of a true battery (I don't think that is the case).

The Academy can and should file a complaint. Will Smith's refusal to leave the theater is criminal trespass. I think you also have a potential disturbing the peace charge in there if you can't go forward with the assault and battery.

Greg Gianforte did plead guilty to assault and battery, but that was with a complainant.

I strongly reject the notion that if Trump et al do it, then our elite don't have to live by the same rules as the rest of us either. I think Chris Rock should file a complaint and explain that he is doing it for every stand up comic and any other person who may say something that is offensive, but is allowed to under our laws and Constitution.

I actually think that this would be good for Will Smith as well. He pleads to misdemeanor battery, gets a fine that he can pay with pocket change and some community service. He can then say he has paid his debt to society. That is what Gianforte got with a far more severe battery than Smith's.

I was thinking that he should be a three year suspension from the Academy. During that time he is prohibited from attending any Academy functions or being eligible for any Academy awards. After hearing that he refused to leave after being asked, I think that it now rises to the level of an expulsion.

I honestly don't think Will Smith believes he has done anything wrong. Releasing an apology written by your publicist doesn't cut it. There has to be be real consequences.