Oscars drama erupts: Will Smith slaps host in defence of wife

The Oscars has kicked off with an unimaginable exchange between actor Will Smith and host Chris Rock.

The actor appeared to casually strut on stage before striking Rock and continuing to verbally abuse him.

“Wow! Will Smith just smacked the shit out of me,” Rock said.

A distressed-looking Smith walked back to his seat before shouting: “Keep my wife’s name out of your fucking mouth!”

VIA JAPANESE TELEVISION: The uncensored exchange between Will Smith and Chris Rock pic.twitter.com/j0Z184ZyXa

— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) March 28, 2022

The altercation resulted after Rock made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith starring in the next G.I. Jane movie.

Actress Demi Moore shaved her head for her role in G.I. Jane, and Pinkett Smith is known for her iconic shaved head style that she wears due to having the hair loss condition alopecia.

Smith went on to win his first Oscar for his role in King Richard, standing firm in his decision to stand up for his wife.

“Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his family,” an emotional Smith said in his acceptance speech.

“I’m being called on in my life to love people and to protect people and to be a river to my people.

“I know to do what we do, you got to be able to take abuse. You got to be able to have people talk crazy about you.

“In this business, you got to be able to have people disrespecting you. And you got to smile and you got to pretend like that’s okay.”

Actor Denzel Washington took Smith aside to comfort the crying man.

“Denzel said to me a few minutes ago, he said ‘at your highest moment, be careful, that’s where the devil comes for you,” Smith said.

Smith went on to apologise to the audience but distinctly left out apologising to Rock.

“I want to apologize to the Academy. I want to apologize to all my fellow nominees. This is a beautiful moment and I’m not crying for winning an award,” Smith said.

People tuning in to watch the Oscars on TV took to social media to share the star-studded audience’s reactions to the shocking event.

Nicole Kidman reacting to the Chris Rock and Will Smith incident at the #Oscars . A NEW MEME IS BORN.???????????????? pic.twitter.com/X19AE19OUv

— Mauli Adam (@mauli_adam) March 28, 2022

best reaction goes to… pic.twitter.com/RFJ1WWlqeC

— raf jones (@rafcorreia) March 28, 2022

what just happened with chris rock and will smith #Oscars2022 pic.twitter.com/knL03tAevN

— Ashley Brewer (@heyashtweeted) March 28, 2022

Everyone at the Oscar’s when Will Smith assaulted Chris Rock on national television #Oscars pic.twitter.com/VX7EzFyJ22

— LORRAKON (@LORRAKON) March 28, 2022

Will Smith is an American rapper, actor and film producer best known for his roles in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Men in Black and Pursuit of Happiness.