Will Smith Confronts Chris Rock During 2022 Oscars, 'Punches' Comedian For Jada Pinkett Smith Joke

The evening got heated up during the Oscars on Sunday night after actor Will Smith seemingly "punched" comedian Chris Rock after Rock made a joke of the "I am Legend" star's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, and her recent baldness.

Rock took to the stage before presenting the award for a documentary feature by making a jab at Smith's wife. The comedian said that he was looking forward to watching the actress and singer in "G.I. Jane 2."

Will Smith Punches Chris Rock

The comedian's joke was a reference to how Jada shaved her head last year after revealing that she was fighting with alopecia, a condition that results in an individual's hair loss. Immediately, Smith went to his 50-year-old wife's defense by coming up on stage and hitting Rock in the face before nonchalantly walking back to his seat.

The camera at the event then turned to Smith who was at his seat and shouted, "Keep my wife's name out of your f***ing mouth." The audio was cut out of the program to keep the explicit from being heard, as per the New York Daily News.

In foreign language broadcasts, Smith's audio was kept as Rock was surprised and chucked while saying, "Will Smith just slapped the sh*t out of me." The comedian then said that the shocking moment became the greatest night in the history of television.

Jada said in an Instagram video after shaving her head that, at this point, she could only laugh at her situation. She revealed that she has been struggling with alopecia and she just suddenly noticed a line of baldness in her hair.

Online users were quick to post on social media platforms about their reactions to the historic moment between Rock and Smith. One Twitter user expressed her shock and noticed that the TV went silent after the actor punched the comedian.

Jada Pinkett Smith's Alopecia

According to Fansided, while others doubted the reality of the punch, it seems like the incident was real, not a bit, as Smith could be seen wiping away tears when the Oscar took a commercial break. Actors Denzel Washington and Tyler Perry could be seen comforting the "I Robot" actor.

Jada attended the Oscars with her husband while wearing an elaborate, emerald Jean Paul Gaultier gown with a ruffled train. Smith, on the other hand, kept his look conventional with an all-black Dolce & Gabbana suit. The actor is nominated for his first Academy Award win for best actor.

The actress and singer revealed that her daughter, Willow Smith, was her inspiration for going bald amid her battle with alopecia. In a July Instagram post, Jada said, "Willow made me do it because it was time to let go BUT ... my 50's are about to be Divinely lit with this shed."

Jada acknowledged in 2018 that she felt her hair loss journey was "terrifying" and said that she was afraid of losing her signature long, thick hairstyles. During one episode of her show, she said that her hair has been a big part of her personality and that she always took care of it, USA Today reported.

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Tags

Chris rock, Will smith, Jada Pinkett Smith, Oscars, Punch, Joke