On March 28, 2022, on the eve of the 94th Academy Awards, the world witnessed an iconic slap by Will Smith. When presenter Chris Rock joked about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, initially everyone laughed, including Smith himself. But a few moments later, the actor stood up from his seat and went on stage, where he smacked Chris and said, “keep my wife’s name outta your ****ing mouth.”
Later, The Pursuit of Happyness star took to his Instagram and wrote an apology post.
“Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are a part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear, and I reacted emotionally.”
“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. “
“I would also like to apologize to the Academy, the producers of the show, all the attendees, and everyone watching around the world. I would like to apologize to the Williams Family and my King Richard Family. I deeply regret that my behavior has stained what has been an otherwise gorgeous journey for all of us. I am a work in progress.”
A lot of people shared their views on this incident. Some said it was unfair on Smith’s part as it was just a joke, while others claimed he did the right thing.
“OMG, Noooo, he shouldn’t have done that to Rock while he was on stage.” A person wrote on Twitter.
“Well deserved slap. You insult someone’s wife; you deserve a smack!!!” Another said.
Some also said that Smith only smacked Rock because he knew he wouldn’t hit him back.
Recently, Will’s long-time friend and renowned DJ Jazzy Jeff shared his take on the whole incident. According to BET, Jazzy spoke on a podcast and claimed that Will would have smacked anyone on that stage.
“When it happened and I saw him walk up there, the one thing I would say – ’cause I’ve had people say, ‘Oh he wouldn’t have done that to no gangsta.’”
“Let me tell you something about Will,” he said. “Will is somebody that cliff dove in Jamaica and couldn’t swim. Will was the person that whatever he’s afraid of, he runs to. I ain’t got that in me. I don’t have that in me at all. I’ve watched Will almost die numerous times running straight.”
He also said, “Will would’ve slapped Mike Tyson. It did not matter who was there. Will would’ve got his ass beat, but he was going to do what he was going to do regardless of who it was. It wasn’t for fake. It wasn’t for show. I have to protect. If that was a grizzly bear, he would have did it. I know him.”
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