Will Smith Slaps Chris Rock on Oscars Stage After Joke About Jada Pinkett Smith

Meredith Jacobs
8 Comments
Will Smith Hits Chris Rock at Oscars 2022
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

If you’re asking yourself, “Did that just happen? Was it real or a stunt?” you’re not the only one.

Before presenting the Oscar for documentary feature, Chris Rock made a few jokes, including one that seemed to rub Will Smith the wrong way about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, and starring in GI Jane. Will Smith then walked up to the stage and appeared to throw a punch at Rock.

The sound then cut out, though it aired uncensored in both Australia and Japan. “Will Smith just smacked the s**t out of me,” Rock said after Smith took his seat. “Keep my wife’s name outta your f**king mouth!” Smith yelled. “Wow, dude. It was a GI Jane joke,” Rock said. Smith repeated himself. “That was the greatest night in the history of television,” Rock said after.

When Sean “Diddy” Combs took the stage after, he brought up the incident. “Will and Chris, we’re going to solve that at the Gold party like family,” he said.

Watch clips from Smith and Rock’s exchange and check out tweets from those at the Oscars below.

Following the broadcast of that moment, between commercials, Denzel Washington approached Will and Jada Pinkett Smith. Watch that moment below.

Smith is nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role for playing Richard Williams in King Richard.

The OscarsChris RockJada Pinkett SmithWill Smith



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  1. O

    OliveBeer

    The Smiths are weird and Will should be arrested.

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  2. G

    GoldChilli

    I don't think Chris Rock meant any harm. He was just being a comedian. I think Will overrated and has some misplaced anger. I don't think anyone should go back to the Hood or be arrested and sued. That is Chris's decision. He just made a mistake and needs to work on his issues. He might need therapy.

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  3. G

    GoldBottleOpener

    When Kanye took the stage and interrupted Taylor Swift's moment, that was downright rude and disrespectful. But now storming the stage and assaulting the presenter is a big step forward in the wrong direction, and can't be tolerated. What's next, storming the stage with your entourage and instigating a full scale brawl? I think Chris should press charges. He was just doing his job, and the Smiths chose to sit in the front row. Everyone knows what they're in for with Chris Rock. If Will is still angry, he can sue the Academy for hiring such a polarizing comic, but good luck with that. Violence like this should NEVER be brushed aside.

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  4. O

    Olive8Ball

    For God's sake, These are actors. Huge publicity stunt.

  5. G

    GoldGlasses

    I'm sure Will as a former comedian has made some gaffes onstage, did he ever get slapped like that?

  6. O

    OliveBeer

    Get real!? She is a great actress and made a mistake. I am sure you are super attractive?

  7. O

    OliveBeer

    Relax! He slapped him, not beat him down

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  8. G

    GreenToast

    Will did good. Stand for your Queen don’t let nobody disrespect her.

    5 9