Actor Will Smith physically confronted comedian Chris Rock during his presentation of Best Documentary Feature at the Oscars 2022.
The presenter, who made a comment about Will’s wife Jada Pinkett-Smith before presenting the award, was approached by Will onstage in a moment that was captured on camera between the pair.
“Jada, I love you, G.I. Jane Two, can’t wait to see it,” Rock said, in a joke which was seemingly aimed at Jada’s shaved head. She has been open about her experience with the hair loss condition alopecia.
Moments later, Will stepped on stage to confront Chris, appearing to hit him before returning to his seat – shouting: “Keep my wife’s name out your f***ing mouth.”
Chris responded: “Wow, dude. It was a G.I. Jane joke,” before continuing to present the award for Best Documentary Feature.
The exchange, which was aired live on television, sparked a big reaction on social media, with many viewers wondering whether it was staged or serious.
Smith later won the Oscar for Best Actor for the film King Richard, where he plays the protective father to tennis phenoms Venus and Serena Williams.
He cryptically addressed the situation in his acceptance speech.
“I want to apologize to the Academy. I want to apologize to all my fellow nominees,” he said. “Thank you. I hope the Academy invites me back,” he said.
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