Chris Rock and Will Smith's altercation at the Oscars instantly became the highlight of the event. Both Rock and Smith established a renowned reputation in the same industry and nobody ever anticipated an altercation between the two would happen.
At the 94th Academy Awards, Chris Rock did his usual Oscars monologue and made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith's hair, referencing it to the 1997 film, G.I Jane, where actress Demi Moore shaved her hair to join the military. While everyone appears to be laughing at Rock's joke, including Jada's husband Will Smith who is nominated for the Best Actor category for his recent film King Richard, the vibe of the event instantly dropped when Will Smith stormed on stage and slapped Chris Rock.
While everyone thought this is just another skit, fellow nominees finally got an idea that Will is indeed enraged about Rock's joke when the actor got back to his seat and yelled, " “Keep my wife’s name out your fucking mouth."
While it's clear that comedian Chris Rock certainly crossed a line because Jada's shaved hair is due to her Alopecia disease, which the actress was always vocal about.
Chris Rock responded to Will's yelling, “Wow, dude. It was a G.I. Jane joke,” and the actor repeated the statement. “I’m going to, OK? Rock replied.
Later on at the event, while accepting his Oscars win, Will Smith took the time to apologize to the Oscars and fellow nominees for his meltdown. Unfortunately, didn't mention anything about Chris Rock.
A few hours late following the slapping incident, Will Smith posted a public apology for Chris Rock on Smith's Instagram page.
After being silent for days, Chris Rock finally breaks his silence about the altercation. At his stand-up show at Boston's Wilbur Theatre, he made it clear that he has no plans to address the Oscars incident.
"I'm still processing what happened, so at some point I'll talk about that shit," Rock told the crowd. "It'll be serious. It'll be funny, but right now I'm going to tell some jokes."
Even with the huge humiliation not just in front of his fellow nominees, but on live television, Chris Rock didn't press any charges against Will Smith and continued being silent.
The Academy is now beginning disciplinary proceedings for Will Smith. According to The Academy's recent statement about the issue, "The Board of Governors today initiated disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Smith for violations of the Academy’s Standards of Conduct, including inappropriate physical contact, abusive or threatening behavior, and compromising the integrity of the Academy."
Will Smith resorting to violence might cause him to get banned from The Academy after the proceedings concluded.
Also Read: Jim Carrey Takes Shot at Suicide Squad Star Will Smith's Standing Ovation Oscars Win
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