Comedy Clubs Bump Up Precautionary Measures in Wake of Oscars Slap

After Will Smith smacked Chris Rock at this year's Oscars, comedy clubs across the United States are trying to discourage retaliation and beef up security.

March 31, 2022

A sign outside The Laugh Factory supporting First Amendment right. — A sign outside The Laugh Factory comedy club in support of comedian Chris Rock reads Laugh Factory supports First Amendment right for all comedians" in Hollywood, California.
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The slap seen ‘round the world at this year’s Academy Awards has moved comedy clubs across the United States to try and prevent a potential new norm.

According to TMZ, the Stand Up NY in New York City posted a sign on its storefront window establishing that “heckling and physical abuse of comics is prohibited, and patrons will be immediately removed from the showroom.” The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences claimed Wednesday that Will Smith was asked to leave the Dolby Theater after he walked on stage and smacked Chris Rock in response to a joke about the actor’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith, but refused.

Stand Up NY is making it clear that patrons will not be treated with the same type of leniency. “Comedians play a critical role in our society, especially during times of chaos and uncertainty. They make us laugh, bring perspective and remind us there are different ways of seeing our reality,” the statement reads. “Comics must be protected.”

Laugh Factory owner and CEO Jamie Masada toldThe Hollywood Reporter that there has been a noticeable mood shift since comedy clubs reopened following closures due to the pandemic. Masada has since added security in several locations, but the Oscars incident has reignited a conversation about going even further to ensure the safety of comedians.

Masada has discussed various approaches, which range from installing metal detectors to having someone positioned near or by the stage. “I’m going to talk to my staff, just for this weekend, and say, ‘We definitely need you by the stage now. That is your post.’ Just in case someone is just trying to re-create a moment or feels emboldened by what Will Smith did. And it’s unfortunate,” he said.

The Laugh Factory has publicly backed Rock in the days that followed the Oscars with a sign on its marquee declaring its support of the First Amendment, adding, “The comedy community loves & supports you Chris.”