Best actor nominee Will Smith appeared to slap presenter Chris Rock in the face with an open hand and shouted a vulgarity at the comedian for making a joke about his wife’s appearance at the Oscars ceremony.
Will Smith did not seem to find Chris Rock’s joke over his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith’s, hair very funny.
The ‘King Richard’ star reacts to the moment by slapping the comedian across the face. It all unfolds as Rock presents the award for Best Documentary at the 94th Academy Awards. Jada has been open about her struggles with hair loss due to alopecia, which might be part of the reason behind Will’s choice to confront Chris. A source tells ET, Will had a private moment with Denzel Washington and Tyler Perry during the commercial break, where he seemingly was able to calm down following the altercation.
Will Smith and Chris Rock’s Oscars Incident: A Breakdown
The 94th Academy Awards will be remembered not for the winners or the glamour, but for the unexpected and shocking altercation between Will Smith and Chris Rock. The incident unfolded live on stage, leaving the audience and viewers worldwide stunned.
The Incident
It all began with a joke. Chris Rock, presenting an award, made a comment about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, comparing her to the character in “G.I. Jane.” Jada has been open about her struggle with alopecia, a condition that causes hair loss. Initially, Will Smith appeared to laugh along with the audience, but moments later, he walked onto the stage and struck Chris Rock across the face.
The live feed for the American broadcast cut out, but international viewers heard Will Smith’s angry outburst: “Keep my wife’s name out of your mouth!” The tension in the room was palpable as the audience tried to grasp whether the incident was real or staged.
Immediate Reactions
During the commercial break that followed, Denzel Washington and Tyler Perry were seen consoling Will Smith. The trio had a private conversation, and it appeared that they were able to calm him down somewhat. Washington, a nominee for Best Actor that night, spoke to the press, expressing understanding of the emotions that might have led to the outburst.
Background Tensions
This wasn’t the first time Chris Rock had made jokes about Jada Pinkett Smith. He had previously taken jabs at her during his hosting gig at the Oscars in 2016. Coupled with the recent diagnosis of alopecia, it’s clear why the joke might have hit a particularly sensitive nerve for the Smiths.
Will Smith’s Acceptance Speech
Later in the evening, Will Smith won the Best Actor award for his portrayal of Richard Williams in “King Richard.” In his tearful acceptance speech, Smith didn’t directly apologize to Rock but spoke about the challenges of being in the public eye. He reflected on the need to endure disrespect and maintain a facade of composure, drawing parallels to his role as Richard Williams, the protective father of tennis champions Venus and Serena Williams. He concluded with, “Love will make you do crazy things,” hinting at the protective instinct that fueled his actions.
Public and Industry Reaction
The incident quickly became a global talking point, overshadowing the rest of the awards ceremony. Opinions were divided; some empathized with Smith’s desire to defend his wife, while others condemned the violence. The Academy issued a statement later, condemning violence of any form and launching an investigation into the incident.
Looking Forward
The incident has sparked widespread discussions about acceptable behavior in the face of provocation, the pressures of public life, and the consequences of on-stage actions. Both Will Smith and Chris Rock have since addressed the incident publicly, with Smith issuing an apology to Rock and the Academy.
This Oscars moment, unprecedented in its shock value, serves as a stark reminder of the raw emotions that celebrities, despite their fame and fortune, experience and how quickly situations can escalate in the high-pressure environment of live television.
