Will Smith won an Oscar for Best Actor and slapped Chris Rock on stage after a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith's alopecia, sparking widespread discussion and reflection on the nature of public discourse and personal boundaries.
Abstract
At the 2022 Academy Awards, Will Smith's on-stage altercation with Chris Rock overshadowed the evening's other notable moments, including Smith's own Oscar win for his portrayal of Richard Williams in "King Richard." The incident occurred after Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved head, which is due to her struggles with alopecia. Smith's reaction, which involved slapping Rock and yelling an expletive-laden warning to stop mentioning his wife, led to a mix of reactions from the audience and later an apology from Smith during his acceptance speech. The event highlighted the complexities of public personas, the impact of jokes about health conditions, and the need for empathy and understanding. Despite the controversy, Smith's emotional speech emphasized his commitment to protecting and loving those around him, drawing parallels to the character he portrayed.
Opinions
The author suggests that the incident between Will Smith and Chris Rock became more memorable than the awards themselves, including the Best Picture win for "CODA" and the Best Actress win for Jessica Chastain.
The article implies that Will Smith's actions were driven by a sense of protection for his family, similar to the character he played in "King Richard."
There is an underlying sentiment that public figures, despite their fame, are subject to abuse and disrespect, which they must endure as part of their profession.
The author notes that Chris Rock's joke about Jada Pinkett Smith's alopecia was insensitive and contributed to the stigma surrounding the condition, which can have severe consequences, including bullying and mental health issues.
The article highlights the intervention of Denzel Washington as a calming influence, offering wisdom to Smith during a highly charged moment.
The author concludes with a reflection on the importance of kindness in a post-pandemic world and the challenges faced by public figures in navigating what is acceptable to say in front of an audience.
The piece also includes a call to action for readers to consider joining Medium through a referral link and
Will Smith Scores His Oscar Win While Chris Rock Face Got Smacked
The alopecia joke from Chris Rock didn’t end well for the comedian.
Composite photo by the author — Canva.
And the winner goes to
Expect the unexpected, as they say in showbiz lingo, the show must go on and so did the Academy Awards. Everything that came after the altercation between Will Smith who happened to be this year’s best actor, and Chris Rock became forgettable, including the most coveted award of the night Best Picture which went to CODA, and the academy award for best actresswhich went to Jessica Chastain.
Will Smith slaps Chris Rock
While American audiences didn't see the slapping as it happened, International viewers were able to watch it in full, blow by blow.
It happened a few awards before Will Smith won his Oscar, for playing Richard Williams, in the movie ‘King Richard,’ in an emotional speech, he said:
Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his family. In this time in my life, in this moment, I am overwhelmed by what God is calling on me to do and be in this world. Making this film, I got to protect Aunjanue Ellis, who is one of the strongest, most delicate people I’ve ever met. I got to protect Saniyya and Demi, the two actresses that played Venus and Serena,” he said, as he began to tear up. “I’m being called on in my life to love people and to protect people and to be a river to my people. I know to do what we do, you got to be able to take abuse. You got to be able to have people talk crazy about you. In this business you got to be able to have people disrespecting you. And you got to smile and you got to pretend like that’s okay.
Chris Rock was on stage to announce the winner in the Best Documentary category, which was awarded to Summer of Soul.
“Jada, I love you. G.I. Jane 2, can’t wait to see you” — Chris Rock said on stage while looking at Jada Pinkett Smith.
In the video, Will Smith was seen laughing at Chris Rock, as the camera moved to Jada, she was seen shaking her head in disbelief.
Soon after, Will Smith went to the stage and slapped Chris Rock.
Chris Rock has yet to file a police report according to LAPD
‘LAPD investigative entities are aware of an incident between two individuals during the Academy Awards program. The incident involved one individual slapping another. The individual involved has declined to file a police report. If the involved party desires a police report at a later date, LAPD will be available to complete an investigative report.’
Cooler heads had to intervene, Denzel Washington pulled Will aside,
During this break, Denzel pulled Will aside to talk to him and they walk away from their seats together. Denzel now has his arm around Jada and is kneeling next to her even though the show has started.
In his speech later as he accepted his Oscar, Will Smith shared what Denzel Washington told him that night.
At your highest moment, be careful, that’s when the Devil comes for you. — Denzel to Will.
Alopecia
Source: Jada Pinkett Smith Instagram Account
Jada has been open about her struggles with alopecia, at the Academy Awards, she came to see a show, not to be material for a joke.
Alopecia is a health condition that many suffer ridicule from, especially for young people it can be difficult. There have been cases of teen suicide by young people with alopecia because of bullying.
Alopecia areata is a disease that develops when the body’s immune system attacks hair follicles (what holds the hair in place), causing hair loss.
Final thoughts
The world isn’t the same as it was before the pandemic, a little kindness can go a long way.
For Will Smith and Chris Rock, they don’t represent the stereotype of the ‘Angry Black Man’, like them, we are all confused about what we can say and what we can’t say in front of our audience.