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Will Smith shakes the Oscars ceremony, slaps comedian Chris Rock on stage

Will Smith shakes the Oscars ceremony, slaps comedian Chris Rock on stage

The incident is all anyone can talk about on social media.
Updated 28 Mar, 2022

Hollywood actor Will Smith slapped American comedian Chris Rock on stage at the Oscars and the incident has taken the internet by storm.

The incident materialised when Rock joked about Smith's wife, actor Jada Pinket Smith at the 94th Academy Awards held in Los Angeles on Sunday. The actor, who was presenting live on-stage at the Oscars, took a jab at Jada's shaved head, asking whether she'll be appearing in G.I. Jane 2. "Jada I love you, G.I. Jane 2, can't wait to see it," he said, referencing the 1997 film in which Demi Moore undergoes Navy Seal training and shaves her head to seem less feminine.

Jada, who has been open about dealing with alopecia, appeared uncomfortable because of the joke. Soon after, Will walked up to Rock on stage and slapped him, after which he went back to his seat and screamed, “Keep my wife’s name out of your f*****g mouth!”

Rock kept his cool and carried on presenting. He tried to make light of the slap in an effort to make the situation a little less awkward.

Rock was followed by the next presenter, American rapper Diddy, who addressed the situation and said, “Will and Chris, we’re going to solve this like family. Right now we’re moving on with love. Everybody make some noise.”

Shortly after the incident, Smith won the Oscar for best actor for his role in the film King Richard and tearfully accepted the award. He called Williams "a fierce defender of his family" and apologised to the Academy and his fellow nominees for the incident. He did not mention Rock by name. Smith left the stage to a standing ovation after telling the crowd, "I hope the academy invites me back."

Variety confirmed from the Los Angeles Police that Rock has “declined to file a police report” following the altercation with Will at the ceremony. A full statement from the police reads: “LAPD investigative entities are aware of an incident between two individuals during the Academy Awards programme. 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.”

The incident had everyone talking — including our own Pakistanis celebrities. Actors Ahmed Ali Butt and Adnan Malik strongly condemned Will's reaction and expressed disappointment. Butt praised Rock for maintaining his cool after the slap.

Malik called the incident "toxic", saying that Rock shouldn't have made the joke and Will should not have appointed himself as his wife's "protector". "You can respond to words with words," he added.

The Sadqay Tumhare actor analysed the situation and pointed out deeper issues like "race", "gender" and "allyship". He asked a series of questions in an effort to "unpack" the incident.

Netizens expressed a range of reactions as well. One user called the Oscars "a roller coaster of emotions".

Some users defended Will, saying Rock deserved it for "going too far".

While others rushed to Rock's defence, for handling the "assault" "professionally".

One user highlighted the shockwaves that erupted in the audience witnessing the moment.

Many users think the confrontation was part of a ploy to rake viewership.

What are your thoughts on the incident?

Comments

Chrís Dăn Mar 28, 2022 03:16pm
A mpst-deserved slap. Great.
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Hanna Mar 28, 2022 03:32pm
Clearly staged
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Arif Jan Mar 28, 2022 03:45pm
Hollywood perpetuates trashiness, and the proof of it was on full display. Something for us to consider in the east.
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Khurram Abrar Mar 28, 2022 03:47pm
@Hanna u have no idea what you are talking about.
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Taj Ahmad Mar 28, 2022 04:04pm
Very sad. should not happened during the show. On stage Will Smith's apologies to audience not acceptable at all, as big actor he should hold his anger for a later time after program ended with smile to eachothers, Chris Rock should be careful using words on stage must not be personnel to anyone at all, congrats to all Oscar awards winners.
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NYS Mar 28, 2022 04:11pm
It was joke and not the right place to settle the score
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Nads Mar 28, 2022 04:26pm
It was awful, what did she expect not a single comment on the bald look when her husband is getting an Oscar. I mean imagine if she was Pakistani she would have spent 10000 rupees on hair and makeup even if her husband had been nominated. Will Smith was the embodiment of arrogance, he should have got his wife a wig ! Goodness it’s Hollywood !
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Constantine Mar 28, 2022 04:43pm
The pm of Pakistan needs one too.
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F Nawaz Mar 28, 2022 04:45pm
PDM needs one big one.
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Changez Khan Mar 28, 2022 04:47pm
The comedians should be off-limits making personal jokes about others, however if they do want to make personal jokes then make on themselves.
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Arshad Mar 28, 2022 05:05pm
Physical violence cannot be justified by any means. What Will Smith did was really bad.
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Tadka Mar 28, 2022 05:44pm
Looks staged.. The late burst of anger...the forgiveness
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Zack Mar 28, 2022 05:49pm
Someone needs to do a Will Smith on our politicians and talk show hosts .
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Hanif Mar 28, 2022 05:56pm
This is called stand for yourself and family, doesn't matter what the situation is or where you are. Salute to Will Smith
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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Mar 28, 2022 06:46pm
As you sow, so shall you reap.
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Ali Khan Mar 28, 2022 06:55pm
Looks like well planned. And now Pakistani and Indian celebrities will do similar non-sense acts.
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Facts Mar 28, 2022 08:04pm
Nowadays comedians think that personal jokes are ok and crossing a line is absolutely fine to ramp up their views. Quality comedy is work of past now.
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Hawk Mar 28, 2022 08:16pm
A pure pakistani style to defend his wife.
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Khan Mar 28, 2022 08:47pm
Third world happening in the first world !
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noor Mar 28, 2022 09:05pm
Will Smith was wrong and went unpunished. Comedians tell jokes, some fall flat, some are funny. There was no need to slap or anything. Shows what a mentally weak and entitled person he is. No one will remember he won the oscar for playing Richard Williams! Everyone will remember his bad behavior.
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Constantine Mar 28, 2022 09:32pm
Who cares what some small Pakistani artists are saying? Do they think will smith or Chris rock know who they are?
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Ga Mar 28, 2022 09:39pm
Words with words and not by physical violence. Will and Jada are celebrities who should be able to stand the jokes unlike the rest of us. But, nothing you can do about heat of the moment sometimes. Chris handled it really well.
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Ali Sabir Mar 28, 2022 10:32pm
... Cris Rock likly has more fans than Will Smith.
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Ali Sabir Mar 28, 2022 10:35pm
@Hanna ... ... From the look on Chris Rock's face I doubt that was staged. He didn't see it coming.
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Captain Mar 28, 2022 10:45pm
Both were wrong
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Khan Mar 28, 2022 11:45pm
Verbal abuse is not a punishable crime while assault and physical abuse is a crime ! If verbal abuse is a crime then Shaebaz Gill should be always in jail !
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Tariq Mar 29, 2022 12:33am
Will smith should learn to be a noble and down to earth. It was fun and his aggression was totally bulling and he should openly apologies.
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Zeeshan Ahmed Mar 29, 2022 01:22am
The Oscars are still around?
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Mr. Z Mar 29, 2022 05:05am
Waiting for the Bollywood version now.
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Memon Abdul Mar 29, 2022 08:34am
Very scripted...it's that same Gervais v Depp recipe. Works like a charm!
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Sayyar Khan Mar 29, 2022 09:17am
So why is he not arrested for assault
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Daredevil Mar 29, 2022 10:23am
We didn't expect it from Will. He seemed a gentleman. Bravo, Rock, for facing the temper so calmly, and for showing patience.
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SS Mar 29, 2022 11:30am
Who will slap Hollywood and Grammy for corrupting the entire world with their ultra liberal culture?
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Inquisitor Mar 29, 2022 11:33am
Mercifuly it is just a minority who think it was right of Smith to "stand up for his wife". Firstly, Smith himself initially laughed at what was clearly intended as a humourous comment by a commedian (about Smith's wife). But striking anyone, whether in public or private, is never OK. Not surprising there is uproar by everyone who stands against violence of any sort, especially those who have to deal with battered women. And what if it was a chitta aadmi who struck the kala man or woman? Can you imagine the outrage!
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Caretaker Mar 29, 2022 02:08pm
Great acting talent out there, publicity stunt performed quite well, round of applause for both actors.
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