By American actor, Will Smith has stirred up a controversy after slapping fellow entertainer, Chris Rock over a G.I Jane joke targeted at his wife, Jada Smith at the 94th Academy Awards, better known as Oscars 2022.
The joke didn’t really sit well with Smith who lost his temper, walked up the stage and delivered a resounding slap on Rock’s cheek.
The movie star took his seat and warned the comedian in an angry tone to keep his wife’s name out of his mouth.
Here's the moment Chris Rock made a "G.I. Jane 2" joke about Jada Pinkett Smith, prompting Will Smith to punch him and yell, "Leave my wife’s name out of your f–king mouth." #Oscars pic.twitter.com/kHTZXI6kuL
— Variety (@Variety) March 28, 2022
However, shortly after hitting Rock on stage, Will Smith broke down in tears during his Oscars acceptance speech.
Delivering a lengthy speech while accepting the prize for the best actor owing to his performance in the movie ‘King Richard’, Will Smith noted that “love can make one do cr@zy things”.
The actor said, “I’m being called on in my life to love people and to protect people and to be a river to my.
“I know, to do what we do, we’ve gotta be able to take abuse. You’ve gotta be able to have people talk crazy about you. In this business, you’ve gotta be able to have people disrespecting you.”
The act by Smith is one that is unprecedented at the Oscars or any award of such international standard.
While most fans sided with the legendary actor, claiming that he defended the dignity of his wife and family, others criticised his reaction as one that promotes violence instead of peace.
Smith has been known to react rather erratically at recent events, which is another call for concern. It is now left to decide whether Will Smith is suffering from a serious condition or this is just a one-off.
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