The 2022 Oscars, a night celebrated for its glitz and glamour, took a startling turn when comedian Chris Rock's mockery of Jada Pinkett-Smith in his speech invoked an unanticipated and violent response from Will Smith.
The shocking incident sent ripples across Hollywood, with celebrities and attendees responding in disbelief.
During the Oscars ceremony, Chris Rock's unexpected jab at Jada Pinkett-Smith set the stage for a dramatic moment. In response to Rock's comment, Will Smith, visibly upset, mounted the stage and delivered a resounding slap to the comedian. Smith promptly returned to his seat, shouting at Rock to refrain from mentioning his wife again. The unexpected altercation left the audience stunned, and the subsequent events indicated that it was not a premeditated act.
The audience's reactions, both celebrities and attendees, were captured and shared widely on social media. Lupita Nyong'o, seated in close proximity to the heated Smith, couldn't conceal her astonishment. Tennis icon Serena Williams also displayed a look of utter surprise. However, it was Nicole Kidman's facial expression that went viral, though some sources speculate that the image may have been taken prior to the incident.
The incident reverberated beyond the auditorium, drawing responses from various public figures. Residente, previously embroiled in a public feud with J Balvin, voiced his thoughts on Twitter, joining the chorus of voices reacting to the surprising altercation.
Will Smith, who ultimately won the Oscar for Best Actor, used his acceptance speech as a platform to address the confrontation with Chris Rock. He issued apologies to the Academy and his fellow nominees, acknowledging the inappropriate nature of his actions during the ceremony.
The altercation between Will Smith and Chris Rock stemmed from a derogatory comment made by the comedian about Jada Pinkett-Smith, in which he humorously referred to her appearance in "GI Jane 2," alluding to her baldness.
The incident also brought the Academy's code of conduct into the spotlight. In response to the #MeToo movement, the Academy modified its code of conduct in 2017. The revised code emphasizes ethical behavior and upholds values of respect for human dignity, inclusivity, and a supportive environment conducive to creativity. It expressly condemns any form of abuse, harassment, or discrimination and denounces those who misuse their status, power, or influence in a manner that violates standards of decency.
