Hollywood actor Will Smith slapped American comedian Chris Rock on stage at the Oscars and the incident has taken the internet by storm.
The incident materialised when Rock joked about Smith’s wife, actor Jada Pinket Smith at the 94th Academy Awards held in Los Angeles on Sunday.
The actor, who was presenting live on-stage at the Oscars, took a jab at Jada’s shaved head, asking whether she’ll be appearing in G.I. Jane 2. “Jada I love you, G.I. Jane 2, can’t wait to see it,” he said, referencing the 1997 film in which Demi Moore undergoes Navy Seal training and shaves her head to seem less feminine.
Will Smith just punched Chris Rock and told him "keep my wife's name out of your f***ing mouth" pic.twitter.com/1f1ytdbMRv
— CJ Fogler (@cjzer0) March 28, 2022
After getting his bearings, Rock told viewers, “That was the greatest night in the history of television.”
A short time later, rapper and actor Diddy took the stage to honor the 50th anniversary celebration of “The Godfather.” But first, he addressed Smith and Rock’s altercation.
“Will and Chris, we’re going to solve that like family. … Right now we’re moving on with love. Everybody make some noise,” he said.
Maybe we need to start talking about #ToxicMasculinity. #WillSmith needs to be escorted from the theatre & given a lifetime ban for this. #ChrisRock deserves an award for keeping it together, de-escalating the situation & carrying on with the show. #Oscars2022 #ShameOnWill
— Julia A. Pulver, MSN, RN, CCM (@VotePulver) March 28, 2022
During his acceptance speech a short time later, Smith tearfully talked about the importance of protecting his family.
“Love will make you do crazy things,” he said.
Viewers watching the fracas between Smith and Rock turned to Twitter to express their shock. While some defended Smith for protecting his wife, others were horrified to have witnessed the tension. Some questioned if the tension was indeed real.
“Jada Pinkett Smith lost her hair because of an autoimmune condition. Chris Rock showed poor taste in the joke,” wrote one.
Jada Pinkett Smith lost her hair because of an autoimmune condition. Chris Rock showed poor taste in the joke
— Jessica Baker (@JessieBakerBee) March 28, 2022
Maybe we need to start talking about #ToxicMasculinity. #WillSmith needs to be escorted from the theatre & given a lifetime ban for this. #ChrisRock deserves an award for keeping it together, de-escalating the situation & carrying on with the show. #Oscars2022 #ShameOnWill,” wrote another.
Someone else also chimed in, writing, “Totally unacceptable what just happened. No excuse for #willsmith behavior.”