Comedian Wears Helmet During Speech At The Grammys In Case He Gets Slapped

An American comedian has worn a helmet on stage at the Grammy Awards just in case he gets slapped by an irate audience member.

Clearly looking to keep the infamous Oscars slap story going, Nate Bargatze walked into the auditorium prepared.

He was invited to speak at the premiere ceremony and the audience burst into laughter when they saw him on stage.

"They said comedians have to wear these now at award shows during their joke parts," he said. "It doesn't even cover your face, I think it just focuses where you would hit me."

He eventually conceded that the helmet was 'stupid' and took it off.

While Nate had the audience in stitches, the fallout from Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the 94th Academy Awards is very serious.

Smith recently announced he was resigning from the Academy.

The King Richard star has faced heavy criticism for the incident, which unfolded after Rock made a joke at his wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s expense. 

In a statement published last week, the 53-year-old actor said he’s ‘directly responded’ to the Academy’s disciplinary hearing notice and he will ‘fully accept any and all consequences’ for what happened. 

“My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable,” he said. 

“The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all those in attendance, and global audiences at home.

“I betrayed the trust of the Academy. I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken.

“I want to put the focus back on those who deserve attention for their achievements and allow the Academy to get back to the incredible work it does to support creativity and artistry in film.

“So, I am resigning from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate.

“Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason.”

Variety has since clarified what this will mean for Smith and his future at the Oscars. 

The publication reports that he’ll get to keep his Oscar for his role in King Richard, and can still get invited to future ceremonies and be nominated for future consideration. 

However, his resignation means he’ll no longer be a voting member of the Academy. He has been a member of the Academy since 2001.