Will Smith's Oscars slap seen around the world had the internet buzzing. Count Los Angeles Lakers icon Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as one of Smith's harshest critics.

The Lakers legend voiced out his frustrations against what Smith did to Chris Rock at the Oscars on his personal Substack. He emphasized that it was an affront against several parties: women, the Black community, and the entertainment industry at large.

According to Kareem, Smith feeling the need to defend Jada Pinkett Smith reduced her to a damsel in distress who needed a man to fight her battles for her:

“Smith’s slap was also a slap to women. If Rock had physically attacked Pinkett Smith, Smith’s intervention would have been welcome. Or if he’d remained in his seat and yelled his post-slap threat, that would have been unnecessary, but understandable. But by hitting Rock, he announced that his wife was incapable of defending herself—against words.”

Beyond just the damage allegedly done to women, the former Lakers emphasized that Smith also tarnished the Black community as a whole by perpetuating a stereotype of violence and an inability to rein in their emotions:

“One of the main talking points from those supporting the systemic racism in America is characterizing Blacks as more prone to violence and less able to control their emotions. Smith just gave comfort to the enemy by providing them with the perfect optics they were dreaming of,” continued the Lakers icon.

Kareem also highlighted how it impacts several comedians and artists, who may have to tread lightly, not just at major award shows in fear of Will Smith himself, but by those he potentially motivated at future events who don't take kindly to ridicule just like the Best Actor winner. The Lakers Hall of Famer personally knows Will Smith, but did not let him off lightly over his actions.