On March 27, 2022, an anger-ridden smack delivered by Will Smith across Chris Rock’s face shocked the world as 16.6 million viewers witnessed the huge controversy at the Oscars due to a disrespectful joke that Rock made towards Smith’s wife Jada. Rock referred to Jada, who currently suffers from a disease called Alopecia, as G.I Jane, a bald female movie character. 

Shortly after the dispute, however, the world quickly took to social media to express their concerns and opinions on what had happened and whether they agree or disagree with Smith’s actions. 

For those who do agree that he was justified in smacking Rock, they argued that the joke was completely unnecessary and uncalled for and not only was extremely disrespectful to Jada but to all women suffering from Alopecia.

“If it was me, I would have acted the same way because sometimes that type of anger can’t be controlled, especially hearing that and knowing the struggles your loved one has been through because of that disease,” Gavin Heard said.  “I believe Chris Rock deserved what had come to him.”

“Will Smith should have smacked Chris Rock, you absolutely do not disrespect women like that,” Ben Botti said.

Shortly after, however, Will Smith had been awarded an Oscar for Best Actor due to his role in King Richard, and in his speech when received the Oscar, he mentioned how he was sorry for his actions and felt that he had gone overboard with his reaction to the joke. He had also mentioned that after he assaulted Chris Rock, Denzel Washington came up to him and told him: “At your highest moment be careful, that’s when the devil comes for you.” 

However, not everyone agrees with this statement and believes that WIll Smith’s actions were completely unjustified and that they should have been handled in a different way.

“I feel like Chris Rock was in the wrong, especially because it was his first Oscar performance, and it was messed up.” Dominic Troiani said. “Chris Rock was picking on everybody in the crowd and for him to go and do that was just wrong. I feel like he just ruined his career.”

“I believe it could have been handled better.” Riley Devos said. “Will Smith lost me as a fan.” 

Will Smith is currently on a 10-year ban from the Academy Awards and has gained and lost many followers.