Yes, we all saw it ... âthe slapâ during the 94th annual Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars.
When Will Smith marched onto the Oscars stage and smacked Chris Rock, the unpredictable moment served as a jarring interruption to Hollywoodâs feel-good celebration.
But once Smith returned moments later to accept his first-ever Academy Award, he delivered a tearful apology for an act sure to overshadow his milestone achievement. He seized the opportunity during Sunday nightâs awards to speak on being a fierce defender just like his tennis dad character Richard Williams from âKing Richard.â
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Smith felt like the protector of many including his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, after Rock made a joke about her appearance that didnât sit right with him.
The exchange began when Rock took aim at Pinkett Smithâs shaved head, saying, âJada, I love you. âG.I. Jane 2,â canât wait to see it, all right?â Rockâs reference was made from the 1997 film âG.I. Jane,â starring Demi Moore, who shaved her head to portray a fictional Navy Seal candidate.
This comes after a joke was made earlier in the show referencing Willâs marriage to Jada. Actress Regina Hall made a joke about having to call certain actors to the stage for COVID testing. (The actors she thought were good looking and single, except for Will.)
âWill Smith,â Hall said. âYouâre married, but you know what? Youâre on the list and it looks like Jada approved you, so you get on up here!â
Pinkett Smith revealed in 2018 that she was diagnosed with alopecia. She has often discussed the challenges of hair loss on Instagram and other social media platforms.
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