Oscars are always a hot topic of discussion in the film world, as well as for people outside it. Being regarded by many as the foremost award of prestige for all arts and professionals related to the craft of filmmaking, it’s no surprise that the award show brings millions of people closer to their TV screens, awaiting and anticipating their favorite film, actor, cinematographer, editor, writer, and others to bag the big trophy. The last few years have seen a plummet in the ratings for the award show. More and more people have been turning away from the Oscar awards broadcasts.
However, this year is different. The award show stunned everyone and most probably compelled a large part of the passive audience to participate in the unconventional and shocking transgression that happened during the ceremony today. The incident transpired during Chris Rock’s speech. As he was cracking jokes at the actors’ expense — the usual business during any Oscar monologue and in-between joke crackings — he made the mistake of going after Will Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
The actor was nominated for his critically acclaimed portrayal of tennis titans Serena and Venus Williams’ father Richard in the biographical sports drama King Richard. Smith later went on to win the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role as well. However, before his big win, Smith shocked the audience and the world with his violent reaction to Chris Rock’s joke about his wife.
Why Did Will Smith Slap Chris Rock At The Oscars?
Chris Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s Alopecia — sudden hair loss that starts with one or more circular bald patches that may overlap. Making a joke about her hair loss condition, Rock said, “Jada, love you, G.I. Jane 2, can’t wait to see it”. He compared Jada to G.I. Jane to Demi Moore’s lead character in the titular film. Demi played a Navy Seal who has a shaved head. However, Jada’s hair loss is due to a medical condition she’s suffering from. The actress has spoken her mind about her condition in the past, breaking the news to her fans in an emotional message. Of course, the joke didn’t fly very well with Jada.
However, Will Smith, who seemed to take it in stride at first, laughed for a bit. When the camera cut back to Rock, though, Will stood up and climbed the stage and approached Chris Rock, who seemed to have thought of Smith’s walk up to him as a joke or a skit. “Uh-oh,” said Rock facetiously upon Smith walking up to him in anger, seemingly unaware of the actor’s intention. Will Smith then clocked the comedian and actor on his face. The slap stunned the comedian as well as the audience, but only after everyone laughed at the incident, thinking of it as a part of a skit. However, the laughs drowned out when Will Smith shouted out at Rock, “Keep my wife’s name out your f—king mouth!”
UNCENSORED WILL SMITH FOOTAGE AS SHOWN ON AUSTRALIAN TV pic.twitter.com/NcRfdjWxqe
— David Mack (@davidmackau) March 28, 2022
Audience & Fans’ Reactions Worldwide
The immediate laughter from the audience is an expected reaction to something like this in the Oscars, since almost every time something like this has happened on the stage before, it was a part of a scripted comedy skit. This time, however, it was not. The reactions by the fans and the publications are going haywire even at this moment. Social media is abuzz with many denouncing Smith’s actions, and his reaction, which they think was unwarranted and uncalled for. On the other hand, many are praising the Academy Award winner for standing up for his wife against a low-brow joke made at someone’s expense.
Will Smith later apologized to the Academy in his speech following his win. A tearful and emotional Smith took his time thanking his family, wife, and the Williams family. However, the actor didn’t apologize for his reaction to Chris Rock’s joke. It seems that the bridge between the two Hollywood stars is burnt to crips. What do you think about Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at Oscars 2022? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
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