This year's Oscars ceremony shocked Hollywood and the world when actor Will Smith slapped Chris Rock when the comedian delivered a joke on Jada Pinkett Smith in connection with her almost-bald head.
Rock was presenting the award for Best Documentary when he joked about Pinkett Smith's appearance.
In reference to the actress' almost bald head, the comedian cracked, "Jada, I love you. GI Jane 2, can't wait to see you."
Jada reacted by rolling her eyes then her husband walked up the stage and slapped the comedian on the left cheek. Will got back to his seat and shouted at Rock, "Keep my wife's name out your f***ing mouth."
The incident had initiated intense debates in the entertainment world and became viral on social media. However, Will and Jada issued apologies early this week as per NPR, while Rock reportedly has no plans of suing Smith.
"This is a season for healing and I'm here for it," Pinkett Smith's Instagram post reads.
Jada's Struggle
Pinkett Smith, who hosts Red Table Talk, has publicly shared her struggles with alopecia. Her condition is due to an autoimmune disorder that results in sudden and unpredictable bald-headedness.
In an episode of her show, she recollected one day when she experienced losing lots of hair in the shower, according to a report from The Independent.
The actress revealed that it was a moment in her life when she was "literally shaking with fear." But Pinkett Smith could cope with her condition by having a sense of perspective.
She explained that "higher power take things every day," including people with cancer and children suffering from diseases. "God, you want my hair?"
"When I looked at it from that perspective it did settle me," Pinkett Smith said.
Read Also : Comedians and Jimmy Kimmel Discuss the Ramifications of Will Smith's Chris Rock Slap at the Oscars
Facts About Alopecia
What is alopecia? According to NHS, it is the medical term for frequent hair loss. Female-pattern baldness, the most common type of hair loss that is believed to be inherited, is estimated to affect roughly 40% of women aged 70 and above.
According to Mayo Clinic, hair loss has several factors. The most common cause is a hereditary condition related to aging, called androgenic alopecia. Usually, it happens gradually and in predictable patterns: bald spots and receding hairline in men and, in women, thinning hair along with the crown of the scalp.
A variety of conditions can also lead to permanent or temporary hair loss, including hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and thyroid problems. And scalp infections such as ringworm.
Certain medications, such as those used to treat conditions like cancer, arthritis, depression, heart issues, gout, and hypertension, can lead to hair loss as a side effect. Also, patients undergoing radiation therapy may experience hair loss, and their hair may not regrow as it did before.
Some people's hair quality may be affected by a very stressful incident. However, this is only temporary, while frequent hairstyling and hairstyles that pull the hair hard can lead to traction alopecia.
Experts advise individuals experiencing persistent hair loss to consult their doctor about their condition and seek early treatment to prevent more hair loss or getting bald permanently.
