Photo: Getty Images
A moment that overshadowed the wins at the 94th Academy Awards.
After Chris Rock made a distasteful joke directed at Jada Pinkett Smith, Will Smith stood up from his seat, walked up on stage, and slapped Rock in front of millions during the live broadcast of the Oscars.
Chris Rock was on-stage to present the award of Best Documentary Feature. Prior to announcing the winner, Rock went around the room and begin making jokes about some of the people in the audience.
That's what comedians do, right?
Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith, that did not sit well with Will or Jada Smith.
"Jada, I love ya. G.I. Jane 2, can't wait to see ya."
Camera's show Will Smith laughing at the joke, while his wife Jada looked somewhat annoyed with the joke. As the camera cuts to Rock on stage, Will Smith is walking onto the stage towards Rock and then shockingly slaps him across the face.
After the slap, Smith walked off stage back to his seat, and Rock, obviously in shock about what had just taken place, says:
"Oh wow,"
"Will Smith just smacked the s--- out of me."
Smith, from his seat, screamed out:
"Keep my wife's name out your f---ing mouth!"
Rock would respond by saying:
"Wow, dude, it was a G.I. Jane joke,"
Where Smith would again say,
"Keep my wife's name out your f---ing mouth!"
After this, Rock composed himself and continued presenting the award.
Photo: Getty Images
In 2018, Jada Pinkett Smith announced that she suffers from alopecia - an autoimmune disease that targets hair follicles, resulting in bald spots and hair loss. This may be the reason why the Smith's took such offense to Rock's joke.
Ironically, minutes after Will Smith slapping Rock, he went on to win the award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Richard Williams in "King Richard".
In Smith's acceptance speech he spoke about protecting and loving people. He was emotional during his speech.
Smith took a moment to apologize to the Academy and his fellow nominees but did not apologize to Rock for his actions.
This was an absolutely shocking moment. It was interesting that the Academy did not have Smith escorted out for his actions. The Academy not removing Smith made it seem like an act of violence of this nature was fine at one of their most prestigious event.
The Academy did make a statement about Smith's actions. The statement read:
As far as legal action, the LAPD stated that Chris Rock chose not to press charges against Smith. A statement to the NY Post said:
“LAPD investigative entities are aware of an incident between two individuals during the Academy Awards program,”
The statement continued by saying:
“The incident involved one individual slapping another. The individual involved has declined to file a police report. If the involved party desires a police report at a later date, LAPD will be available to complete an investigative report.”
That being said, though, Smith could still face misdemeanor charges for his actions. For example, if a random person hit another for no reason, it is likely that someone would be arrested. If action needs to be taken, it should be, regardless of the status of an individual. It is even possible that Smith could have his Oscar rebuked.
Following the award show, Smith was seen dancing at the Vanity Fair Oscar's Party, not showing any remorse for his actions.
Unfortunately, this incident took the spotlight from what the night was actually about... honoring the men and women that created incredible movies.