While Packer did not directly mention Will Smith or Chris Rock, his comment was clearly in response to the headline-grabbing blow. In an exclusive ABC News interview, Will Packer shares what happened behind the scenes during Smiths best actor acceptance speech.READ MORE. The 94th Oscars ceremony will air at 8 p.m. Oscar producer Will Packer also shared his thoughts on Twitter. Hall also addressed the show's tribute to the 'delicate situation' in Ukraine, saying that it would be 'beautiful.' The incident happened after Rock joked about Jada Pinkett Smith's bald. Producer Will Packer spoke out about Will Smith slapping Chris Rock on stage at the Oscars on Good Morning America. 'Isn't he busy right now?' Sykes wryly responded. Packer called it a 'sad and disappointing moment.' He also claimed Rock did not want Smith removed from the ceremony, but a source close to Rock refutes that. When Packer was asked at the news conference whether the idea was still under consideration, he said the show's planning was 'still in progress,' CNN reported. On Friday, Packer shared his perspective on the incident. Schumer said earlier this week that she pitched the idea of having Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky make a virtual appearance at the Oscars. HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 27: In this handout photo provided by A.M.P.A.S., Oscars producer Will Packer is seen backstage during the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 27. Will Packer, the lead producer for the 2022 Oscars ceremony, did not want Will Smith removed from the ceremony after he slapped Chris Rock. Regina Hall, Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes will host the 94th Oscars®, show producer Will Packer announced today. Amy Schumer, who will also host, was not present but assured the public through a statement that her absence was not due to COVID-19. Packer speaks out for the first time since Will Smith slapped Chris Rock on stage at the Academy Awards.SUBSCRIBE to GMA3s YouTube page. Hosts of the show Wanda Sykes and Regina Hall were also present at the news conference. 'And I think part of being grateful is to make sure that we use this opportunity to be a celebration, to be a release and to be an escape for folks out there that really need it.'

We will acknowledge those things and do it in a way that is respectful and shows how grateful we are,' Packer said, according to CNN.

'You think about the difficulties and challenges of doing a show like this last year - and we're not completely, obviously, out of that situation in terms of COVID and we've got other challenges now - and then you think about the world stage.

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