Will Smith won Best Actor award for King Richard. Image Source: USA Today
The 94th Academy Awards were held on March 27th, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. One of the most scandalous moments of the ceremony was when Will Smith walked up to the stage and slapped comedian and fellow actor Chris Rock.
Chris Rock, who was on-stage to present an award for Best Documentary, cracked a joke on Will Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, as he called her "G.I. Jane," referring to her closely cropped hair, and when the camera was panned towards the actress it seemed like the joke did not land very well with the actress. Then actor Will Smith walked on stage and slapped the comedian, and the audience was unable to understand whether it was a planned joke or not, but the organizers cut off the audio immediately.
As Will returned back to his seat, Chris Rock acknowledged the situation and said that Will Smith had just smacked the shit out of him, to which Will Smith shouted from his seat to keep his wife’s name out of his mouth. Chris Rock assured him that the joke was about G.I. Jane and Will Smith again reminded him to not make fun of his wife, and Chris Rock agreed.
Variety executive editor Ramin Setoodeh confirmed that the act was real and not planned. Everyone in the audience was taken aback by Will Smith’s actions, but at the same time, people were aware that Jada Pinkett Smith recently spoke about her challenges with the autoimmune disorder alopecia, which can cause the loss of hair and balding.
Soon after the altercation between the actors, Will Smith, who was nominated for Best Actor for his portrayal of Richard Williams in King Richard, won the award, and while accepting the award, got emotional and apologized to his fellow nominees and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science for his behavior. The actor broke down in tears and said that the moment was really beautiful and special for him, and he was not crying because he had won the award.
Will Smith added that he might look like a crazy father, but love makes you do crazy things. He added that to do what we are able to do, we must be able to take abuse. He added that in the industry, people have to pretend that they are okay after someone disrespects them. He went ahead and thanked Serena and Venus Williams, along with their entire family, for entrusting him with their story and mentioned that that’s something he wants to do. Be an ambassador of that kind of care and love and concern.
The actor continued his speech and said that Richard Williams was someone who was a fierce defender of his family, and at this time in his life, he feels overwhelmed by the feeling that God has called him to do. He added that while working on the movie, he was able to protect Aunjanue Ellis, Saniyaa, and Demi and appreciated their hard work and dedication while filming. Will Smith in his speech said that he wants to be the vessel of love and that he hopes Serena and Venus aren't watching TV. He also added that he wishes the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science would invite him again.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science released a statement stating that they condemn the actions of Will Smith and have officially started a formal review of the entire situation and will look into what actions must be taken according to their bylaws, standards of conduct, and California Law.
Chris Rock has not yet commented on the situation but has declined to press charges against the actor. A source revealed that behind the scenes, there was a lot of discussion happening and people were just trying to understand if the slap was a part of a planned joke or not, and also checking on Chris Rock. The sources added that removing Will Smith was discussed seriously behind the scenes.
It was later reported that Will Smith was pulled aside by Denzel Washington, Tyler Perry, and Bradley Cooper during the commercial break to talk to him, and Denzel comforted Jada. Just a few hours ago, Will Smith took to his social media to apologize to Chris Rock explaining that his behavior was unacceptable and he is deeply apologetic for his actions. He added that violence in any form is unacceptable and he understands that jokes are a part of an actor's job but a joke about his wife's medical condition did not land well.
Will Smith in his public apology to Chris Rock mentioned that he acted emotionally and is embarrassed about it. He went ahead to apologize to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science once again including the producers and everyone present at the ceremony. Will Smith also apologized to the Williams Family and added that he is still work in progress.
Chris Rock is yet to comment on the altercation.
