On Sunday, March 27, the Oscars premiered on television for the world, starting with the iconic red carpet event for celebrities to debut themselves to the crowd. What seemed to be a normal award show quickly turned into much more.
“That was the greatest night in the history of television,” comedian Chris Rock said.
Rock appeared on stage during the award show to announce Best Documentary. He spotted Jada Pinkett Smith in the crowd and proceeded to make a G.I. Jane reference, due to Pinkett Smith’s shaved head. What Rock did not know was that Pinkett Smith has alopecia and does not have a shaved head by choice. Not knowing that this joke was dangerously close to crossing the line, Will Smith got up from his seat, walked on stage and slapped Rock.
For viewers watching from home, this was quite confusing as the sound cut out moments before the event took place. However, the camera still panned over to Smith who seemed to be shouting up at the stage. We later learned that Smith shouted, “Keep my wifes name out of your [redacted] mouth,” twice before ceasing any other contact towards Rock.
Rock was visibly shocked but quickly carried on, lightening the mood and moving along with the award show.
Only minutes after, Smith was called up on stage as a result of him winning the award for Best Actor for his role in “King Richard”. He apologized for his previous actions, seeming to blame it on being crazy just like his character was.
Controversy follows, as people don’t know whether to dislike Rock or Smith more. Do you support Rock who made the disrespectful joke, or Smith for overreacting? Some say Smith was totally justified due to the context and involvement of his wife, but others seem to want to defend Rock because comedy is all about crude and offensive jokes and that’s just the flow of the field.
Smith posted a note on Instagram on March 28, apologizing once again for his actions.
“I am resigning from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate,” Smith said in a statement shared with CNN by his publicist.
Smith will no longer be able to vote on Oscar-nominated films, but his own work will still be able to be submitted to the Academy.