Of course it's completely different. On "the street" it sounds like you're just talking about a stranger insulting your wife, which among other things could mean he's trying to start a fight.
This was an awards ceremony where a *comedian* whom you know roasted peers and friends with *jokes*, and you laughed along all night long and even laughed at this one. And then when you got mad you had that looong walk in front of all those people and up the catwalk to think about what you were going to do when you got up there.
When I say "on the street" this is a catch-all for any public place, really. And it doesn't have to be a stranger. Acquaintances, family, and friends likely wouldn't take it lightly even if you have been making jokes all night.
Just because a comedian is known for roasting people doesn't mean one cannot react emotionally to said jokes. Not to mention someone making a joke doesn't absolve them of the words they said nor does being a comedian mean someone is immune to consequences for jokes. This doesn't mean I think what was done was right. Just that I understand.
Making jokes isn't a crime, assaulting someone is. Especially in "freeze peach" America. If you want to prese charges because somebody wronged you, you can sue and go to court. That is called the law (and was invented so that people don't just attack each other because they think it's their right).
No one can just assault someone, no matter the circumstance. Certainly not THIS circumstance. If any of you think this was okay and Smith shouldn't suffer any consequences, you are part of the problem and need to take a hard look at yourself.
Shameful that people here defend violence.
Making a joke does not absolve people of consequences, even violent ones. Words can hurt people, clearly, and can cause violent and emotional reactions. You may not agree that this situation warranted violence and I agree. But to think that speech doesn't have consequences, legal or otherwise, is just not true.
Except criminal law does require state violence to enforce so you clearly think violence is okay in some situations.
People assault each other all the time without law enforcement involvement. This altercation is tame and not uncommon. That doesn't make it right but there was never going to be charges pressed.
What consequences here would be appropriate? Jail? It seems they both have sorted it out. That should be enough.
