Entertainment
Will Smith apologises to Chris Rock
Four months after slapping Chris Rock on stage at the Oscars, a move that shocked viewers around the world, Will Smith has once again apologised to his fellow actor, saying that his behavior was “unacceptable” and that he reached out to the comedian to discuss the incident but was told Rock wasn’t ready.
“There is no part of me that thinks that was the right way to behave in that moment,” Smith said in the under-six minute video posted online Friday. “I am deeply remorseful and I’m trying to be remorseful without being ashamed of myself.” To Rock, he said: “I’m here whenever you’re ready to talk.”
Smith, seated in a polo shirt and white ball cap, spoke directly to a camera, answering pre-selected questions about his behavior at the March 27 Academy Awards, when he slapped presenter Rock after the comedian made a reference about the hairstyle of Jada Pinkett Smith, Smith’s wife.
Smith also apologised to Rock’s family and especially his mother, Rosalie, who was horrified to see her son hurt and told US Weekly that, “When he slapped Chris, he slapped all of us. He really slapped me.” Smith also apologised to Tony Rock, Chris’ younger brother.
“I didn’t realize how many people got hurt in that moment,” Smith said.
Neither the apology or timing impressed crisis and PR expert Eric Schiffer, who called it “bizarre, strange and grossly over-rehearsed.”
“It came across like he was doing a confessional in some closed room in a foreign country in order to escape the regime,” said Schiffer, chairperson and CEO of Patriarch Equity and chair of Reputation Management Consultants. “It’s just not the way to get out of the septic muck he put himself into because, once again, it started being about him and it’s still about him.”
In the video, Smith also apologised to his family “for the heat that I brought on all of us” and his fellow Oscar nominees to have “stolen and tarnished your moment.” He mentioned Questlove by name; it was the musician-director’s documentary win for “Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)” that was interrupted by the slap. Rock was on stage to present the documentary award.
Smith also said his wife did nothing to encourage his slap. “Jada had nothing to do with it,” he said. “I made a choice on my own.” Pinkett Smith has said that she has alopecia areata, a hair-loss disorder.
Following the altercation, the motion picture academy banned Smith from attending the Oscars or any other academy event for 10 years. Smith apologized to Rock in a statement after the Oscars, saying he was “out of line and I was wrong.”
“I’m sorry really isn’t sufficient,” Smith said in the video, adding that he is hurting because he hasn’t lived up to fans’ impressions. “Disappointing people is my central trauma.”
Many had speculated that Smith would appear on camera to discuss the slap first on Pinkett Smith’s online series “Red Table Talk,” but he chose to do it in a social media video post without any follow-up questions or surprise queries.
“It just had the reek of a fabricated attempt to be real. And that’s not what he wanted to accomplish, nor was it persuasive,” said Schiffer. “I do wish him well and hopefully he will find the right path. That path is really about humbleness and not about ego and self.
Source: starrfm.com.gh
Entertainment
Nana Jesse releases prayer song from Upper Room Experience concert
Kumasi-based gospel singer Nana Jesse, known in showbiz circles as Sylvester Gyasi, has released a prayer song from the Upper Room Experience Concert.
The song, titled ‘let your will be my will’, reflects Nana Jesse’s heartfelt surrender to God, expressing his dependency on divine guidance.
Through soul-stirring lyrics and a harmonious chorus, he and his accompanying musicians declared their submission to God’s will, reaffirming their trust in His direction.
Released on Friday, May 30, the song is already resonating with listeners, gaining more views on YouTube within days of its debut.
Fans have praised its uplifting message and the rich blend of voices that bring the prayer to life.
‘Let your will be my will’ was carefully arranged by Nana Jesse, Nana Kofi Junior, and Moses Boadu, ensuring a powerful and spiritually enriching experience for all.
With its heartfelt lyrics and inspiring melodies, it is set to bless many across different walks of life, offering a reminder of faith, surrender, and divine purpose.
The official song is available now on YouTube.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Entertainment
Miss Tourism Ghana 2024 thrills the world at Miss Orient Tourism Global
2024 Miss Tourism Ghana, Lawrencia Ama Yeboah, thrilled the world with breathtaking performances at the recently concluded Miss Orient Tourism Global pageant in Malaysia.
Her mind-blowing performance earned her the 2nd runner-up slot and other accolades at Miss Orient Tourism.
Miss Orient Tourism Global is a beauty pageant focused on promoting tourism and celebrating global unity and cultural diversity.
Speaking to The Spectator after the event, Miss Tourism 2024, Lawrencia Ama Yeboah said, it is a dream come true and honour to represent her beloved Ghana on a global stage.
She said, from “May 18 to 24, I immersed myself in the vibrant culture of Malaysia for the Miss Orient Tourism Global pageant, and I’m thrilled to share that I’ve returned home as the Second Runner-Up. It was an absolute dream come true, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we, as Ghana, achieved.
According to her, the week was a whirlwind of unforgettable moments,adding that they kicked things off with glamorous evening gown and swimwear photoshoots, which were her first real taste of the international spotlight.
“However,it was during the National Costume competition that my heart truly swelled with pride. I poured my soul into showcasing Ghana’s rich heritage, and standing there in our beautiful traditional attire, I was absolutely ecstatic to be named the First Runner-Up for Best National Costume.It felt like a win for every Ghanaian, a testament to our incredible artistry,” she revealed.
Recounting how her experience commenced, she told the paper “Our journey took us from the historical charm of Melaka to the bustling energy of Kuala Lumpur, where we settled into the luxurious Royal Chulan Damansara. The excitement continued at the KL Gateway Mall, where subsidiary awards were presented. I was genuinely humbled and delighted to be awarded Miss Crowning Glory.”
The grand finale on May 23,2025 was electrifying considering the fierce competition, however, Miss Tourism Ghana became overjoyed to win another sash as the Second Runner-Up Miss Photogenic, proving that Ghana’s beauty truly shines.
Excitement reached its crescendo when she was called again as the overall Second Runner-Up of Miss Orient Tourism Global.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Miss Tourism Ghana Organisation, Mrs. Delphine Brew-Hammond, expressed appreciation to GTP, Tang Palace Hotel, NASCO, Kaya Tours, Lush Hair, and Max Beauty, among others, for helping project Ghana’s cultural heritage on the international stage.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
