12 april 2022
Red & Black
current events 11
Aftermath of Will Smith Slapping Chris Rock EMREE DOWNEY RED & BLACK STAFF On March 27, 2022, Oscar Awardwinning actor Will Smith assaulted comedian Chris Rock live on national television. The altercation ensued after Rock made an inappropriate joke regarding his wife, Jada PinkettSmith. Rock made an offensive remark about Pinkett-Smith’s shaved head and said, “Jada, I love you. G.I. Jane 2? Can’t wait to see it.” Unbeknownst to Rock, Pinkett-Smith was struggling with alopecia, and subsequently had decided to cut her hair short. The camera then panned to the couple, and one could see that Smith was laughing, but his wife was unassumed and rolled her eyes.
Rock continued with the introduction of the next award, but interrupted himself as he noticed Smith walking up to him in an aggressive manner. Rock was heard saying “Uh, oh” and laughing moments before Smith slapped him across the face and promptly exited the stage, returning to his seat. At first, many people questioned if the slap was indeed real or scripted, as Rock is seen laughing afterwards and seemingly unfazed by the assault. After regaining his composure, Rock says to Smith, “Wow, dude. It was a G.I. Jane joke.” Smith then replies, twice, and says, “Keep my wife’s name out your f*cking mouth.” Not much longer after the incident, Smith was announced as being Best Actor for his role in the movie King Richard, where he played Serena and
Courtesy Jay L Clendenin via Los Angeles Times
Will & Jada Smith at the 2022 Oscars
Will Smith accepting his Oscar at the 2022 Oscars
Courtesy Robyn Beck via Getty Images
Venus Williams’s father, Richard. However, Smith is seemingly distraught and is visibly crying. He apologizes for slapping Rock, and many believe he was coerced into carrying out the act by his wife, who has been known for her extramarital affairs and public statements that seemingly degrade and embarrass her husband. Since the nationally-broadcasted slap, Smith has since faced serious repercussions. He is scheduled to meet with The Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences on April 9, 2022, where they will decide the consequences. Smith also had two upcoming films
put on the backburner. Smith has also decided to check himself into a rehabilitation center, as his mental health has deteriorated following the backlash from that night. Though, Smith has inevitably tarnished his distinguished career by this impulsive act of violence, many believe that he was merely standing up for his wife’s medical condition; others believe he was out of line. Reportedly, Rock has chosen not to press charges, however, it is unfortunate that such a differentiated individual like Will Smith has succumbed to such a malevolent act towards his colleague.
