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Oscars 2022: The Awards Show That Slapped … Literally

Photo courtesy LA Times

In what turned out to be one of the most ridiculous moments on live television, many people who were on the fence about watching the 2022 Oscars were happy they tuned in! Best Actor Winner Will Smith now ‘famously’ slapped comedian Chris Rock in the face for referring to his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, jokingly as GI Jane 2 ( Pinkett- Smith actually has alopecia, which causes her to lose hair).  Next thing the audience sees: Smith walking at least 50 feet up to the stage, slapping a stunned Rock who keeps his composure, then turns and walks away, with a look of great satisfaction on his face.



The Act

One thing is certain, Chris Rock deserved an Oscar for that stoic performance post smack! He yells back at Smith, “Really?? Over a GI Jane Joke?” To which Smith screams, ‘ KEEP MY WIFE’S NAME OUT OF YOUR F*CKING MOUTH’… twice.  Actors like Nicole Kidman and Lupita Nyong’o looked absolutely stunned; viewers at home were very confused thinking the whole ordeal was staged. Those watching on Hulu- immediately after the slap, thought their TVs are broken as it cut out and went silent! However Twitter video forensics proved  that it was in fact, real.

Oscars 2022 Chris Will

Photo courtesy LA Times

This is where many questions come up. Will Smith expected everyone to know Jada has alopecia? We never heard them publicly speak on this, or help with this cause (If they have, it’s just not as searchable as their open marriage, unfortunately ). Jada and Will have put their personal life on BLAST FOR YEARS – even writing a tell all book! This is what sets him off? How do schools have better security than the Oscars? It is hard to believe no one stopped him. It took him at least 40 seconds to 1 minute to walk up there, right? Many people were wondering why he was not ushered out. It was moments before the Best Actor Award was announced, and The Academy was truly put in an awkward situation.


The Speech

Will was apologetic to the academy and his peers during his best actor speech, and even appeared to have somewhat of an emotional breakdown. Post assault, actors like Bradley Cooper and Denzel Washington rushed to his side to comfort him. Many people are now wondering- will the Academy ask him to hand back his Oscar? They have strict guidelines in its code of conduct. The Academy reestablished its Code of Conduct in 2017 during the “Me Too” & “Oscars So White” movement.  They did take to their twitter page and say:

“The Academy does not condone violence of any form. Tonight we are delighted to celebrate our 94th Academy Awards winners, who deserve this moment of recognition from their peers and movie lovers from around the world.”

They could have done better- Surely things will unfold over the next week. Page Six reported that Rock declined to file a police report, so Smith will not be in any kind of legal trouble. Overall, Chris Rock was a class act and behaved like the better man in this situation.

More about the what happened  

About author

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Lauren is a New York City based reporter, podcaster and host, with a focus on pop culture news and true crime. She is currently a writer and reporter for Pop Style TV, NickiSwift.com, and Grunge.com. Lauren is also the host and producer of the investigative podcast titled, “Corruption: What Happened to Grant Solomon.” She hopes to reveal the truth behind an alleged cover-up and accidental death of an 18-year-old boy in Tennessee. Lauren is the creator and host of the pop culture, news & crime podcast, “Lauren Interviews.” She has featured interviews with public figures like Joe Exotic, actors like Kyra Sedgwick and Alec Baldwin, plus real housewives like Luann de Lesseps. Lauren previously worked for WABC RADIO, writing news briefs and articles pertaining to entertainment, crime, and politics while also serving as on-air talent. Lauren also hosted a wellness show on WOR Radio in NYC, and then teamed up with 98 Degrees’ Jeff Timmons for a podcast called “Millennials Revealed.” Some true crime highlights in Lauren's orbit: After a woman named Julia Wandelt came forward claiming to be missing child Madeline McCann in 2023, Lauren went viral for getting the first video interview with her spokesperson, Fia Johansson; discussing whether or not a DNA test was underway. Lauren also revealed brand new interviews and information regarding the deaths of actor Brittany Murphy and her husband Simon Monjack in 2020, which lead to her also being featured on VICE TV and Law & Crime. Lauren also made headlines after an exclusive interview with the fiancé of Aaron Carter just days after his tragic death, while also covering Carter’s death as breaking news on Lawrence Jones Cross Country (Fox News). Lauren also reported on the tragic death of Matthew Perry as both breaking news, then as a tribute while on Fox News as a guest. Her interviews and reporting have been covered by People, EW, The Today Show, Perez Hilton, Page Six, Elle Magazine and more.
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What Happened at the 94th Academy Awards?

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