During his presentation of the best documentary feature at the 94th Academy Awards, Chris Rock was hit on stage by fellow actor Will Smith, after he made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada.
Rock jokingly called to Jada “G.I Jane”, seeming to refer to her shaved head. The actress revealed in 2018 that she has alopecia, a condition that results in hair loss.
Smith appeared to laugh at the joke, but soon after, stormed on stage and hit Rock in the face. After returning to his seat, he yelled at the comedian “Keep my wife’s name out of your f***ing mouth”.
According to Vanity Fair, Smith was pulled aside by Denzel Washington shortly after the incident.
Watch the clip below:
VIA JAPANESE TELEVISION: The uncensored exchange between Will Smith and Chris Rock pic.twitter.com/j0Z184ZyXa
— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) March 28, 2022
Soon after, Smith accepted the Best Actor award for his performance in King Richard and delivered an emotional speech about protecting his family.
“Love will make you do crazy things,” he says, adding that Denzel Washington spoke to him after the incident, telling him “at your highest point, that’s when the devil comes for you.”
“Art imitates life. I look like the crazy father…just like they said about Richard Williams,” he continues, in reference to Serena and Venus Williams’ father Richard, whom he portrays in the film.
He apologised to the academy and fellow nominees. “I hope the academy invites me back,” he says before walking off the stage to a standing ovation.
Will Smith’s acceptance speech as he wins his first ever #Oscar pic.twitter.com/qKVTOb7V6Q
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) March 28, 2022