4 chapters across the catalog
The discussion explores the theory that the slap was a staged event intended to manipulate public perception or generate ratings. The hosts consider the "Black Oscars" branding and how the incident potentially damaged the collective image of Black men in media. They speculate on whether Will Smith was triggered by "MK Ultra" style cues or if the event was wargamed by producers.
A report from Dan Abrams Live details the felony disorderly conduct charges against Jussie Smollett for staging a hate crime in January 2019. Prosecutors presented evidence of Instagram messages between Smollett and the Osundaro brothers sent shortly before the alleged attack. Smollett's testimony regarding a planned workout was contradicted by the lack of messages about canceling the session after the incident.
Cultural Differences in Ironing and the Subway Sandwich Red Flag
Mo explains why he immediately doubted Jussie Smollett's story, citing the extreme "polar vortex" weather in Chicago that night. He notes that no one in Chicago would go out for a Subway sandwich in temperatures cold enough to require setting train tracks on fire. The segment also includes a cultural aside about the importance of ironing clothes in the black community.
On the talk show The Real, Amanda Seales argued that even if the Smollett attack was a hoax, it was "low-key noble" because it brought attention to the reality of hate crimes. She invoked the name of Emmett Till to justify her stance. The hosts criticize this logic, arguing that it uses historical tragedy to excuse modern-day deception and "mind screws."
