Well, that's something you don't see every day. This year's edition of the Oscars awards seemed like your typical, run-of-the-mill award show. A few controversial decisions, amazing outfits, the likes. But then, out of nowhere, this happened.
UNCENSORED WILL SMITH FOOTAGE AS SHOWN ON AUSTRALIAN TV pic.twitter.com/NcRfdjWxqe
— David Mack (@davidmackau) March 28, 2022
Yes folks, you saw that right. Will Smith, critically acclaimed actor, just went up on the Oscars stage and punched comedian Chris Rock in the face. Many folks thought it was scripted at first, but Smith's passionate words after punching Rock convinced many people to believe that it was real.
The Oscars debacle caused quite a stir on the Internet. Many people chimed in on Smith's actions, either condemning him for hitting a guy on live TV or praising him for standing up for his wife. For noted sports talk show host and analyst Stephen A. Smith, he was more of the former.
Article Continues BelowIf @willsmith seriously did that — and he wins the OSCAR — he just stained the greatest moment of his career. You cannot do that S$&@!!Especially as a BLACK MAN, in that position, to ANOTHER BLACK MAN(@chrisrock) on THAT STAGE. If this was not a joke, Will won’t live this down!!!
If @willsmith seriously did that — and he wins the OSCAR — he just stained the greatest moment of his career. You cannot do that S$&@!!Especially as a BLACK MAN, in that position, to ANOTHER BLACK MAN(@chrisrock) on THAT STAGE. If this was not a joke, Will won’t live this down!!!
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) March 28, 2022
Will Smith would eventually win the Oscars for Best Actor for his role in the movie King Richard.
While defending a loved one from a bad joke is honorable, violence is most often never the answer. Had Smith kept his composure and either talked to Rock backstage or expressed his displeasure without punching Rock, his Oscars win would be a lot cleaner. Instead fans in the future will remember Will Smith punching Chris Rock instead of Will Smith winning an Oscar.