It’s a question that’s been taking social media by storm since the 94th Oscars aired this past Sunday. Even if you didn’t watch the annual award show live, you have undoubtedly seen the clips of Will Smith and Chris Rock online. It continues to take over the internet in the form of think pieces and memes. It was the slap felt worldwide. Now Wanda Sykes, one of the Oscar hosts, is speaking out against the event.
As many awards show enthusiasts know, these events are usually hosted by a comedian to provide pop-culture commentary while celebrating the cinematic achievements of top-tier filmmakers. From marital disputes to legal battles, celebrities enjoy a laugh at their own expense during the show as a way to tell viewers they don’t take themselves too seriously. After all, Hollywood loves nothing more than to build you up and then tear you down.
What Happened At the 2022 Oscars Ceremony?
At this year’s Academy Awards, one joke went too far for nominee Will Smith who rushed the stage and slapped comedian Chris Rock across the face during the live broadcast.
For context, Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith has shared publicly that she has alopecia areata. This is an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss on the scalp and elsewhere on the body. The actress and singer has spoken publicly about the moment she first realized she was losing her hair. “It was one of those times in my life where I was literally shaking with fear,” she said, adding that her hair is a big part of her identity.
Related | Will Smith Hit Chris Rock During the Oscars
Before presenting an award for Best Documentary, Rock referenced Pinkett Smith’s hair, saying “Jada, I like you. G.I. Jane 2, can’t wait to see it.” G.I. Jane beforehand starred Demi Moore, who iconically shaved her signature lengthy black hair for the function.
Rock famous her objection to the joke, and he shortly responded, “that was a pleasant one,” commenting on the tough remarks made all through the present towards different attendees. As Rock laughed off the change, Smith took to the stage and slapped the presenter — gorgeous the dwell viewers. As he walked again to his chair, Rock stood in disbelief as Smith yelled, “hold my spouse’s title out of your [explitive] mouth.”
Rock, who had beforehand hosted the Oscars, didn’t miss a beat and responded, “Well, Will Smith simply smacked the [explitive] of me.” While the comic maintained his composure and continued along with his class nominations, Rock was flustered after the abrupt interplay.
Who Hosted The 2022 Oscars?
The 2022 Oscars had been helmed by three humorous women, together with Amy Schumer, Wanda Sykes, and Regina Hall, who shared internet hosting duties. Schumer, Sykes, and Hall launched class presenters throughout the three-hour ceremony, carried out skits, and teased nominees with their comedic commentary. For the primary time in Oscars historical past, three girls hosted the present that additionally had a historic variety of nominations for marginalized teams, together with LGBTQ, Black, and Hispanic nominees.
Related | 8 Gayest Moments at the 2022 Academy Awards
Sykes, a queer comic, is now calling out Smith’s actions and asking for an apology. While showing on Ellen, Sykes mentioned, “We had been the hosts. This is our home; we’re inviting you in; we’re going to deal with y’all tonight and ensure you have a superb time. And nobody has apologized to us.” She then shared her emotions on the scenario, “It was sickening. I bodily felt ailing. I’m nonetheless a bit of traumatized by it. And for them to let [Smith] keep in that room and revel in the remainder of the present and settle for his award, I used to be like, ‘How gross is that this? This is simply the unsuitable message.’ You assault anyone, you get escorted out of the constructing, and that’s it. For them to let him proceed, I believed it was gross.”
Wanda Sykes Wasn’t Alone
Fellow co-host Amy Schumer shared the same sentiment on Instagram. She defined, “Still triggered and traumatized. I like my pal @chrisrock and imagine he dealt with it like a professional.” Other celebrities equivalent to Jim Carey and Ellen have additionally commented on the scenario, talking out in opposition to Smith.
Conversely, celebrities equivalent to Tiffany Haddish and Nicki Minaj have spoken out in assist of Smith, notably Jada Pinkett Smith.
You simply bought to witness in actual time what occurs in a person’s soul when he appears over to the lady he loves & sees her holding again tears from a “little joke” at her expense. This is what any & each actual man feels in that immediate. whereas y’all seeing the joke he’s seeing her ache
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) March 28, 2022
https://gayety.co/oscar-host-wanda-sykes-wants-an-apology-from-will-smith
