Will Smith references Chris Rock Oscars slap in new freestyle
In a significant incident that unfolded in the world of entertainment back in 2022, Will Smith found himself at the center of attention after an altercation with Chris Rock during the 94th Academy Awards ceremony. The controversy stemmed from Rock’s jokes targeted at Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith, as the host of the event. Unhappy with the remarks, Smith approached Rock on stage and slapped him before returning to his seat, sternly warning Rock to refrain from mentioning his wife’s name. Despite subsequent apologies from Smith and statements from both parties, the incident left a lasting impact on their public personas.
Following the incident, Smith expressed remorse for his actions, however, the Academy imposed a 10-year ban on him from attending the Oscars. Despite this, Smith remained present at the ceremony that same night, ultimately winning the prestigious “Best Actor” award for his portrayal of Venus and Serena Williams’ father in the film “King Richard.”
Since the occurrence, Rock has maintained a mostly subdued response to the incident, with his brother Tony Rock being more vocal on the matter. Although the incident was revisited in Rock’s Netflix special “Selective Outrage,” Smith has embarked on a journey to revitalize his public image, garnering mainstream appeal once more. Notably, his iconic portrayal of Mike Lowery in the successful “Bad Boys” franchise alongside Martin Lawrence has contributed to his resurgence. Furthermore, in March 2025, Smith delighted fans by releasing his first album in two decades, titled “Based on a True Story.”
With his music career flourishing, Smith has just launched his inaugural solo headline tour in support of his latest project. The tour not only showcases Smith’s musical talents but also underscores his ability to captivate audiences across different forms of media. As his tour unfolds, Smith’s enduring popularity and diverse range of talents continue to cement his status as a versatile and accomplished artist.
As time passes, Smith and Rock are gradually moving forward from the contentious incident that unfolded on the Oscars stage years ago. Their individual paths have seen them navigate various highs and lows, with Smith’s comeback marked by notable successes in both music and film. Despite the challenges and controversies they faced, both Smith and Rock have proven their resilience and ability to evolve creatively. As they forge ahead in their respective careers, the public continues to follow their journeys, eager to witness their continued growth and artistic endeavors unfold on the big screen and beyond.