It is interesting to go back to the early comments on this thread when there were few details. That allowed commenters to fill in their own blanks. Clearly this situation was more complex than many, including me, originally thought.
What assets do you strip out of a radio station? microphones and desks? Bell made a bad bet in these acquisitions. They have lost a lot of money and now they are trying to stop the drain.
If It was real, I don't think Chris Rock would be still standing, nor would he be responding so quickly. I didn't realize that men in California slapped each other when they are angry. It did look like Will Smith was serious when he yelled at Chris Rock from his seat.