The Slap Heard Across the Academy: The Will Smith Slap 3 Years Later
A little over three years ago, the 94th annual Academy Awards were overshadowed by a slap. Yes, a slap, perpetrated by that year’s Best Actor Oscar winner, Will Smith. Comedian Chris Rock was at the podium and made an inconsiderate joke about Jada Pinkett Smith, Will Smith’s wife. Pinkett Smith has been affected by alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that affects hair growth and causes partial or total baldness.
What Did Chris Rock Say?
Comedian Chris Rock is known for his deprecating humor. With his sharp wit and funny insults, Chris seized the opportunity to make an indecent joke, with the object of it being Jada. He compared Jada to ‘G.I. Jane,’ because of her very short haircut.
Rock first teased Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem, then went right into his Jada joke. He said, “Jada, I love ya. ‘G.I Jane 2,’ can’t wait to see it.” He was referring to the Demi Moore-led 1997 movie G.I. Jane.
Will Smith’s Reaction
Unfortunately, the 2022 Oscars ceremony was upstaged by Will’s reaction to Chris’s joke. He jumped on the stage and struck Chris with an open hand. Will angrily exclaimed, “Keep my wife’s name out of your f****** mouth!” to Chris Rock.
The Academy’s Sanctions
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (or AMPAS), which is responsible for bestowing the Oscar Awards, doled out the punishment for Smith. He was swiftly banned from attending the Oscars and any other AMPAS event for 10 years. Smith also apologized to Rock. He says the fallout from the slap has been challenging.
After the Slap – And What’s in Store
Will Smith claimed that the last three years have been brutal. He related the fact that he needed to do some soul-searching, and in doing this, he’s revisited his music career. He hasn’t acted in quite as many projects in the years following this slap incident. He has, however, been involved with movie producing, and he is currently in pre-production status with a few new films.
Chris Rock had stated that it has been difficult as well. He said he was somewhat surprised by Will’s reaction, but understood why he was upset. He declined to press any assault charges against Smith.
Meanwhile, Smith has been recording, producing music videos, and is doing a remake of the 1987 movie Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. We hope to see a lot more of Will’s talent – along with a little more tolerance – in the future.
