The night of the 94th Annual Academy Awards was graced by many artists celebrating the confluence power of Cinema that brings everyone under the same roof. That night, among the other events, one incident that occurred shook the entire Dolby Theater. The infamous incident of Will Smith slapping Chris Rock after he poked fun at Jada Pinkett Smith. The infamous event surfaced on the internet with polarizing reactions from the netizens.
Jada Smith’s Reaction Was Displayed In The Video
When Chris Rock came upon the stage to introduce the Best Documentary nominations. He started with some jokes. Things were good until the comedian came to Jada Smith. He joked about her alopecia condition, comparing the condition with “G.I.Jone.” Though Will laughed, Jada Smith rolled her eyes, and Will approached the stage and he slapped Chris Rock. Rock replied, “Will Smith just slapped the sh*t out of me.” King Richard star settled, and shouted “Keep my wife’s name out of your f**king mouth.”
A video has emerged where a person has captured Jada’s live reaction post the slap. In the video, Jada laughed when Chris acknowledged that Will “slapped the sh*t out of me.”
Right after the incident, Will Smith won an Oscar for Best Actor for his titular portrayal in the film King Richard. During his speech, Will Smith apologized to the nominees as well as the Academy for his behavior. However, he did not apologize to Chris Rock.
Apology And Reaction Of Jada, Will & Chris Rock Post The Event
The next day, however, Will took to Instagram to talk about the incident, this time he apologized to Chris Rock, as well as others who were impacted by his actions.
He wrote, “I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris, I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.”Jada Smith also posted on Instagram hinting at the infamous incident, “This is a season for healing, and I’m here for it.”
Though she did not extend any further, a source told ET that Jada “was glad that Will stood up for her. She was hurt by Chris’ remark.” The source noted, “Chris has also made jokes about Jada in the past,” the source noted, “which added to her feeling upset. Will does not regret sticking up for Jada, but he does have remorse for how he went about it. He acted out of impulse.”
Chris Rock did not press any charges. He, on his comedy show, did address the situation. He admitted that he is still ‘processing’ everything. “I will talk about it, and it will be serious, and it will be funny, but not tonight,” Chris said.
The Academy Took Disciplinary Action On Will Smith
The Academy alleged that they asked Will Smith to leave the ceremony and they have initiated disciplinary proceedings against Will Smith for slapping Chris Rock during the Academy Awards. According to a statement by the board of governors, the actor’s actions were in violation of the Academy’s Standards of Conduct, “including inappropriate physical contact, abusive or threatening behavior, and compromising the integrity of the Academy.”
In the unfolding of recent events, Will Smith has resigned from the Oscars Academy. The actor had been facing expulsion or suspension from the Academy. He has expressed that he has betrayed the trust of the Academy. Focus actor admitted that he deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work.
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