Even if you didn’t catch the 2022 Academy Awards show, chances are you’ve heard about the slap that took place during the event. Chris Rock, known for his comedic prowess, delivered jokes on stage. One happened to be about Jada Pinkett Smith, Will Smith’s wife. The joke struck a nerve with Will, who was so upset that he stormed onto the stage and slapped Chris in the face.
Since the incident, Will has apologized and faced repercussions from the Academy. In contrast, Chris has incorporated the incident into his comedy shows. For the first time, Jada is sharing her perspective on what transpired during the slap.
Jada Pinkett Smith got frank about the slap
As part of the promotional activities for her new memoir, “Worthy,” Jada engaged in a one-on-one interview with TODAY’s Hoda Kotb. Hoda delved into the details of the slap and explored other revelations from Jada’s book. One significant revelation is that in 2016, Jada and Will decided to live separately. Although they never went through a legal divorce, Jada clarified everything. “We haven’t called each other husband and wife in a long time.”
During the Oscars incident, when Will slapped Chris and emphatically declared, “keep my wife’s name out of your mouth,” Jada Pinkett was taken aback by the reference to her as his wife. She admitted to being “worried for Will” at that moment, not fully understanding what triggered his aggressive reaction.
Interestingly, what wasn’t captured on television was Chris attempting to talk to Jada from the stage after Will had returned to his seat. This only fueled Will’s anger, even though Chris was attempting to apologize to Jada. Jada revealed that Chris conveyed to her, “Jada, I meant no harm.”
Read: Chris Rock rejects Jada Pinkett Smith’s plea to reconcile with Will Smith
The YouTube video of the slap shows a different side
In a video that follows, Jada Pinkett shares more about her reaction when Will slapped Chris and discusses why she feels she was unfairly portrayed as the villain in the situation. After Chris apologized to Jada during the Oscars, she told him, “Chris, this is about some old sh**.”
Read: Will Smith Seen With Mystery Woman, Who Looks Strikingly Similar to Estranged Wife Jada Pinkett Smith
The question arises: what were the lingering issues that triggered Will’s intense reaction?
It seems they might be tied to the fact that, at one point, Chris asked Jada Pinkett out on a date while she was still married to Will. Despite living separately since 2016, Will and Jada maintained a public image of a happy marriage. However, rumors occasionally circulated about their impending divorce. In one instance, Chris, upon hearing such rumors, reached out to Jada.
In an interview with PEOPLE, Jada recounted, “He called me and basically he was like, ‘I’d love to take you out.’ And I was like, ‘What do you mean?’ He was like, ‘Well, aren’t you and Will getting a divorce?’ I was like, ‘No. Chris, those are just rumors.’ He was appalled. And he profusely apologized, and that was that.”
For more insights into Jada’s new book and the secrets it holds, the accompanying video provides additional details
Keep Reading: Here’s What Went Down Immediately After Will Smith and Chris Rock’s Confrontation at the Oscars