When Jada Pinkett Smith Said She Initially Thought Will Smith and Chris Rock’s Oscars Slap Was a Skit

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As a dedicated fan who has followed Jada Pinkett Smith‘s journey since her early days on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” I can truly empathize with her unique perspective on the infamous Oscars incident. Having been privy to her remarkable resilience, strength, and grace over the years, it was no surprise to me that she initially thought the slap was a skit.

Everyone was taken aback by Will Smith’s unexpected behavior at the 94th Academy Awards. Initially, what seemed like a joke to Jada Pinkett Smith, turned out to be a slap her husband delivered to Chris Rock on stage.

In a 2023 interview with PEOPLE, the star of Red Table Talk shared her initial emotions following an event that transpired on the stage during the Academy Awards. This conversation, which occurred approximately 18 months after the incident involving Will Smith (the I, Robot actor) and Chris Rock, was also connected to the launch of Jada Pinkett Smith’s memoir titled Worthy.

During the interview, the actress from The Matrix remarked, “I thought to myself, ‘This is just a skit.'” Later on, she admitted that she was initially taken aback when Will Smith struck Chris Rock. But as I Am Legend actor Pinkett Smith made her way back to her seat, she understood that it wasn’t part of the act – everything was genuine and real.

In the interview, Pinkett Smith reminisced about her conversation with Smith following the incident. She inquired whether he was alright, asking him directly.

Continuing the conversation, the actress who starred in Set It Off shared that she would support her husband during this time, giving him space to handle everything on his own.

During the event, Will Smith managed to retain his Best Actor award, but he was barred from attending any Academy functions for the subsequent ten years.

In 2022, the actor who portrayed The Men In Black spoke about the event in question through a video release as well as during an interview with Trevor Noah on The Daily Show, which occurred in November of that year.

The performer subsequently detailed the “terrible evening” and admitted that he had been in a difficult predicament prior to losing self-control. However, it’s important to note that he did not defend his actions. Instead, he emphasized the importance of treating one another kindly given the challenging nature of the world.

Back in 1997, I was overjoyed when my idols, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, exchanged vows. Fast forward to the arrival of their remarkable offspring, Jaden and Willow, and things took an unexpected turn. Come 2016, these lovebirds decided to walk separate paths for a span of seven years.

At the 94th Academy Awards held in 2022, it was Smith who took home the award for Best Actor, recognizing his outstanding performance in the film “King Richard.”

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2024-08-17 12:22