Jada Pinkett Smith Reveals She Believed the Oscars Slap Was Staged

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Jada Pinkett Smith is offering a new perspective on the infamous moment when her husband, Will Smith, slapped Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars. She now calls it a “holy slap.”

While promoting her memoir, ‘Worthy,’ the 54-year-old actress told PEOPLE and YOU Magazine that a particular incident proved to be a crucial moment for her and her husband, leading to spiritual growth in their marriage.

Like many viewers at home, Jada initially thought the physical altercation between Will and Chris Rock was part of the show. She remembered only realizing it was real when Will began walking back to his seat. Her first concern when they were alone was for his well-being, and she immediately asked, “Are you okay?”

The actress revealed she and Will had been living separate lives since 2016, and believes the very public drama that followed ultimately brought them closer. She explained that going through a difficult time like that showed them where they truly stood and strengthened her dedication to her husband.

Jada says the strong reaction to the incident made her determined to stay with Will, even though they had been working through questions about their future. She jokingly refers to it as the “holy slap” because she believes a lot of good came from it, and wonders where their relationship would be now if it hadn’t happened.

Beyond sharing personal insights, Jada Pinkett Smith continues to be a prominent figure in Hollywood, working as both an actress and a producer. She’s currently filming the sequel to Girls Trip, bringing back the original cast – Queen Latifah, Regina Hall, and Tiffany Haddish – for a new comedy set in Las Vegas.

In early 2026, the Smith family has been in the news thanks to their work and public events. Jada and Will Smith recently showed their support for their son, Jaden, at Paris Fashion Week, both wearing outfits in the same color. Jaden made history as the first male creative director for Christian Louboutin.

Will Smith has a lot on his plate with several big movie sequels planned. He’s set to return in ‘I Am Legend 2’ with Michael B. Jordan, and there’s talk of another ‘Bad Boys’ movie after the recent success of ‘Ride or Die’.

Jada Pinkett Smith’s show, Red Table Talk, is still a major part of her career, known for its honest and open discussions. Her autobiography, Worthy, continues to be popular, sharing her life story from growing up in Baltimore to becoming a Hollywood star.

Share your thoughts on Jada’s perspective regarding the infamous Oscars moment in the comments.

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2026-01-26 17:45