A buoyant atmosphere at the 94th Academy Awards was shattered by an unbelievable exchange after Will Smith took offence to a joke made by Chris Rock about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
Rock made a joke about Smith's wife Jada Pinkett Smith's hairstyle, referencing the film "G.I. Jane," in which actress Demi Moore shaved her head.
Smith, who is nominated for best actor for his performance in "King Richard," walked on stage and slapped Rock in what appeared to be a scripted joke at first. But the mood darkened when Smith, back in his seat, yelled back, "Keep my wife's name out of your fu****g mouth!"
The audience at the Dolby Theatre, as well as viewers at home, were taken aback by the moment. During the commercial break, presenter Daniel Kaluuya approached Smith and hugged him, and Denzel Washington led him to the side of the stage. Tyler Perry came over to talk with them after they talked and hugged.
Fans took to Twitter to express their outrage at the heated exchange, which some suspected was staged.
Me during this Chris Rock and Will Smith moment #Oscars pic.twitter.com/idTP8tuRvi
— Anneliese Bustillo (@anni_magus) March 28, 2022
Hol on…was Will Smith deadass cussing out Chris Rock?! #Oscars
— Rachel. (@_loveRachel_) March 28, 2022
pic.twitter.com/9AmJjzaw5u
What just happened? Was that real? Did will Smith really swing a punch at Chris rock?? #oscars
— Christine Galea (@chrisgalea) March 28, 2022