During the 2022 Oscars, the most unforgettable moment of the show was not a surprise win or fashion fail. Instead, it was when Will Smith went on stage and slapped Chris Rock across the face.

The incident began when Rock took the stage to present the award for Best Documentary Feature. While presenting, Rock made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, calling her “G.I. Jane,” because of her shaved head due to alopecia, a medical condition that causes hair loss. 

Smith took offense to Rock’s joke, walked on stage and slapped him on live television, in front of millions of viewers across the United States and the world. 

Following the fiasco, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences stated that they do not condone violence and were disappointed that the actions drew the attention away from the deserving award winners. They also mentioned that the Academy’s Board of Governors will do what they believe is appropriate in considering Smith’s actions. 

In a statement, Smith apologized to Rock and to the Academy for his actions and recognized how he acted inappropriately based on emotions and was sorry for what he did.