#29: The 2022 Oscars Incident: Will Smith’s Onstage Confrontation with Chris Rock

At the 2022 Oscars, Chris Rock made a joke that sparked one of the night’s most shocking moments while presenting the Best Documentary award. Referring to Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, caused by her battle with alopecia, Rock quipped that she looked ready for a “G.I. Jane” sequel.

The comment visibly upset both Jada and her husband, Will Smith. In a surprising turn, Smith walked onstage, slapped Rock across the face, then returned to his seat, warning him to “keep my wife’s name out of your mouth.” The incident stunned the audience and quickly became a worldwide talking point.