For his perfect portrayal of Venus and Serena Williams‘ father, Richard Williams, the Hollywood star Will Smith won his first Academy Award. In addition to winning the esteemed award, the 55-year-old actor also made headlines owing to his infamous slap incident with the host, Chris Rock. Reacting to the same, the Williams sisters’ childhood coach, Rick Macci, recently issued his candid take in an exclusive episode of the ESFancast.

Back in March 2022, the American actor was in hot water after his infamous slapping incident took place during the 94th Academy Awards. However, according to Macci’s recent disclosures, Smith’s character in the ‘King Richard’ movie had a major influence on his contentious act at the Oscars.

Venus and Serena Williams’ childhood coach issues his take on Will Smith’s infamous slap incident

In a recent conversation with the ESFancast, Rick Macci opened up about how he has ‘very different’ views on Will Smith’s controversial episode. While emphasizing Smith’s role as Richard Williams, the American coach suggested that sometimes it’s hard for actors to separate a character from reality. He said, “My take on it is very different, and you have seen Hollywood actors playing a part, even that guy who played Joker, you know there is all these people, you become that character.”

Macci added, “The one thing about Richard, he was such a staunch defender of his family. Now this all happened during the pandemic, so Will would go home and even talk to his kids like Richard, he would still be in costume at home. So this was a drawn-out process, and I really believe that during that moment, when he walked up on stage and kinda greeted Chris Rock, he thought he was Richard.”

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While saying that he thinks Smith was in his character of Richard Williams during that moment, the USPTA national coach also recalled a scene from the biographical sports drama film. Macci stated, “I mean, and you gotta remember when that guy in the movie picked on Venus and he blew a gasket that was in my office back in the day and he freaked out on the reporter, you know, ‘She’s a little kid, leave her alone.’ I just almost felt like Will was Richard in that moment.”

READ MORE: ‘As if They Were His Own’- ‘King’ Richard Actor Narrates How Coach Rick Macci Firmly Believed in Venus and Serena Williams’ Talent

The legendary tennis coach reiterated that the Hollywood star was “Richard in that moment,” as he said,  “I know some people can’t grab it, I think some people could because who would do something like that on the biggest night of your life, on the biggest stage. You know what I am saying, so I don’t think he was thinking, I think he was Richard, and he just reacted.”

What do you think of the Williams sister’s childhood coach’s take on Will Smith’s infamous slap incident? Let us know in the comments section.

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