It was an unusual moment that initially confused both attendees at the Oscars and viewers.
Will Smith punched Chris Rock in the face onstage at the Oscars after the comedian made a joke about the actor’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
Referring to Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, Rock said, “Jada, I can’t wait for GI Jane 2,” referring to GI Jane, the 1997 film in which Demi Moore played the lead with a shaved head.
Smith, who was first seen laughing, came onstage and appeared to punch Rock in the face before returning to his seat and yelling, “Keep my wife’s name out of your fucking mouth.”
Minutes later Will Smith was awarded the Oscar for best actor for his performance in King Richard.
During his speech, Smith tearfully apologized: “I want to apologize to the Academy. I want to apologize to all of my fellow nominees,” he said.
“Art imitates life. I look like the crazy father, as they said of Richard Williams. But love will make you do crazy things.”
Pinkett Smith has said that she suffers from alopecia.
Rock was shocked after the incident, telling the audience, “That was the greatest night in television history.”
Then he gave the award for best documentary.
