Mega scandal at the Oscars?
Will Smith beats Chris Rock on stage
Will Smith with his wife Jada Pinkett Smith at the Oscars.
© imago/Future Image
Will Smith slapped Chris Rock in the face on the Oscars stage. The comedian previously cracked a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith.
Shortly before Will Smith (53) was awarded an Oscar for “Best Actor” for “King Richard”, he caused the scandal of the evening. The spectators at the film awards ceremony could hardly believe their eyes: Smith hit Chris Rock (57) in the face on stage. It’s unclear if it was a planned gag – or actually a physical confrontation during Hollywood’s biggest night.
Before Will Smith took the stage and seamlessly struck, comedian Chris Rock made a joke about the actor’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, 50. Pinkett Smith may be preparing for the sequel to The Jane Files, he joked. An obvious nod to the actress having her head shaved. The 1997 film starred Demi Moore (59) with her hair shaved off.
It went on like this
Jada Pinkett Smith has long suffered from a disease-related hair loss, alopecia, which she made public in 2018. Shortly before her 50th birthday, she shaved her head completely.
According to media reports, Will Smith said in his attack on Chris Rock: “Don’t put my wife’s name in your damn mouth.” The statement was not heard on US television. When Smith returned to his seat, Rock said, “Wow, wow, Will Smith just beat the crap out of me.”
Rock, looking visibly shaken, paused for a moment and then attempted to continue with the program. During the subsequent commercial break, Smith was reportedly pulled aside and reassured by Denzel Washington (67) and Tyler Perry (52). Smith reportedly wiped tears from his eyes as he sat down with his wife.
The following star on the Oscars stage, Sean Combs (52), then explained: “I didn’t know that this year was going to be the most exciting Oscars ever. Okay, Will and Chris, we’re going to solve this as a family at the party. But now let’s move on with love!” Smith and Pinkett Smith were seen laughing and clapping along.