Obviously, the internet’s initial reaction was a slew of memes fossilising the moment of pure shock in the audience. I mean, who expects a slapping on stage at the Oscars? Not Nicole Kidman, it seems. Language warning for this one! 😳😳😳 #Oscars /qlBRjC0sI3- Channel 7 March 28, 2022
He justified it in his acceptance speech as “protecting his family”. It’s then that we see Will walk up and deliver the slap, before sitting down and yelling “keep my wife’s name out of your fucking mouth” at Chris Rock. In the footage, Jada looks unimpressed by the joke. In case you missed it, the offending joke was about Jada Pinkett Smith being bald. But, despite the slap finding instant memedom, it’s left a bitter taste in the mouth for some. Will Smith just gave the Oscars its ~viral~ moment by slapping Chris Rock‘s across the face after the comedian made an ableist joke.
