Chris Rock Oscars slap overshadows Wanda Sykes’ hosting debut. [Image Source: CLOUDFRONT]
Wanda Sykes, who cohosted the 2022 Oscars, has shared that Will Smith eventually apologized to her following his infamous slap of Chris Rock during the ceremony. The incident, which overshadowed the event held in Los Angeles, remains one of the most talked-about moments in recent Oscars history, highlighting the Chris Rock Oscars slap as a defining moment of the night.
Sykes Reflects on Hosting Amid the Unexpected Controversy
The comedian admitted in a Variety interview that she had nearly forgotten she was part of the Oscars that year, as the focus quickly shifted from her and fellow cohosts Amy Schumer and Regina Hall to the shocking altercation on stage. The ceremony took place in early 2022, when Smith, reacting to a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s alopecia, walked onto the stage and struck Rock.
Sykes disclosed that although Smith did not apologize immediately, he eventually reached out to her personally. She said, “He did. He called,” explaining that she was ill when he contacted her.
“I had COVID or a bad cold. I just texted to say, ‘Hey, I got your message. Thank you. I can’t talk.’ But he did call.”
The Events Leading to the Onstage Confrontation
During the live broadcast, Chris Rock made a joke about Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, alluding to her alopecia diagnosis. This provoked Smith to approach Rock and hit him across the face. Smith then returned to his seat and shouted,
Image of: Chris Rock
“Keep my wife’s name out of your f—ing mouth.”
Despite the disruption, less than an hour later, Will Smith won Best Actor for his portrayal of Richard Williams, the father of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams, in the film King Richard. The following day, Smith issued a public apology on Instagram, acknowledging his violent act and explaining the emotional nature of his reaction.
Smith’s apology included the statement,
“Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are a part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally.”
Aftermath and Responses from the Academy and Those Involved
Chris Rock chose not to press charges following the incident, but the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences began a formal investigation. As a result, Smith voluntarily resigned from the organization and was banned from attending the Oscars or any other Academy event for ten years.
Sykes later spoke about how the incident affected public perception of the night she hosted, noting how much the moment overshadowed her role.
“I mean, I loved working with Regina [Hall] and Amy [Schumer]. But like you said, it got overshadowed. People talk to me about that night without even mentioning, ‘Oh yeah, you hosted, right?’ Like I was in the audience or at home, watching TV. But I was there,”
she said.
The Lasting Significance of the Oscars Night
The Chris Rock Oscars slap remains a pivotal moment that disrupted an event usually celebrated for artistic achievement and celebration. While the episode brought serious scrutiny and consequences, including Will Smith’s decade-long ban and his eventual apology to hosts like Sykes, it has also sparked ongoing discussions about decorum, emotional responses, and professionalism in live broadcasts.
As fans and critics alike revisit that night, Wanda Sykes’s reflections remind the public of the personal side behind the headlines and the impact such events have on those involved beyond the viral controversy.
