A Real Slap at the Oscars: Will Smith Hits Chris Rock on Stage
Just as the night was getting warm, Will Smith and Chris Rock figured in a fracas at the Academy Awards on Sunday. Will Smith slapped Chris Rock after the comedian made a joke about Will Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. The comedian uttered the joke while presenting the award for the documentary feature.
To everyone’s surprise, the lead actor unexpectedly went to the stage and hit Rock. After the comedian made a joke about Smith’s wife, pertaining to the 1997 film G.I. Jane, which he linked to Pinkett Smith’s bald hairstyle.
Jada Pinkett has been dealing with a hair loss condition called alopecia. It explains the bald hairstyle. Jada Pinkett didn’t even laugh at Chris Rock’s quip.
Will Smith has won his first ever Oscar, just minutes after rushing on to the stage and slapping comedian Chris Rock in the face.
The former Fresh Prince was reacting to a joke Rock had aimed towards Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
More here #Oscars: https://t.co/MuB5MROTqp pic.twitter.com/4qI8JgFbIg
— Sky News (@SkyNews) March 28, 2022
A surprised Rock said, “Will Smith just smacked the s— out of me.”
As he returned to his seat, Smith shouted at Rock. “Keep my wife’s name out of your f— mouth!” The awards bleeped this part in the live broadcast in the US.
Rock responded, “Wow, dude, it was a ‘G.I. Jane’s joke.”
Smith shouted back and repeated, “Keep my wife’s name out of your f— mouth.”
Rok responded one last time, “I’m going to, OK?”
Someone who works for the Oscars told me that Chris Rock was not interrupted by Will Smith at rehearsals yesterday. It was not supposed to happen. It was real. #Oscars
— Ramin Setoodeh (@RaminSetoodeh) March 28, 2022
Variety Executive Editor Ramin Setoodeh stated in a tweet: Whatever unfolded on the stage between Will Smith and Chris Rock was unplanned. It was not included at the rehearsals the day prior. Setoodeh also cited that Will Smith’s publicist spoke with him on commercial breaks. Oscar producer Will Packer talked with the lead actor too.
Will Smith’s Victory
After the incident, it was still Will Smith’s night after all. He won the lead actor prize for his lead actor role in “King Richard.” He played as the father of tennis stars Serena Williams and Venus.
Before taking center stage to accept his award, the actor embraced Pinkett Smith.
To everyone with strong opinions on this Will Smith Slapping Chris Rock.
It’s just funny… no one got hurt. It’s not that serious. Stop crying you not even involved. It’s not about you. pic.twitter.com/HAqTNVYold
— KEEM 🍿 (@KEEMSTAR) March 28, 2022
The lead actor said in his acceptance speech, “I want to be a vessel for love. I want to be an ambassador of that kind of love and care, and concern.” He added, “I want to apologize to the academy.”
“I want to apologize to all my fellow nominees. Art Imitates Life. I look like the crazy father, just like they said about Richard Williams. But love will make you do crazy things. Thank you. I hope the academy invites me back.”
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After the apparent onstage incident, the “King Richard” actor was also seen talking to Denzel Washington. During his speech, he revealed what Washington told him.
“At your highest moment, be careful. That’s when the devil comes for you.”
Meanwhile, P Diddy offered to step in and resolve the conflict between Will Smith and Chris Rock. The rapper said, “Will and Chris, we will solve this. But right now, we’re moving on with love.”
On a side note, Dune and Coda bagged the leading awards. With Coda winning all three nominations, including Best Picture.
