The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Jada Pinkett Smith: New footage shows actor’s reaction to Chris Rock’s response after Will Smith hits him
Pinkett Smith watched on as her husband hit the comedian on stage
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Footage of Jada Pinkett Smith reacting to Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars has emerged online.
Rock was presenting an award at the Oscars when he referred to Pinkett Smith as “GI Jane” in reference to her shaved head.
Pinkett Smith, who has spoken previously about having alopecia, could be seen rolling her eyes at the joke, which received a laugh from the crowd.
In response, Smith, who went on to win Best Actor for King Richard, walked onto the stage, slapped Rock before returning to his seat. Once there, he shouted twice: “Keep my wife’s name out your f***ing mouth.”
Rock was left momentarily speechless, before saying: “Will smith just slapped the s*** out of me.”
Will Smith news - live: Actor refused to leave Oscars and now faces disciplinary measures, Academy says - old
Chris Rock addresses whether he’s spoken to Will Smith after actor hit him at Oscars
Will Smith refused to leave Oscars after hitting Chris Rock, Academy reveals as it considers expelling actor
Chris Rock: Heckler shouting ‘Will Smith’ escorted out of comedian’s sold-out show
Footage seemingly filmed on a mobile phone, shared on TikTok, shows the viewpoint of somebody sat behind the Smiths, who were on the front row.
While Pinkett Smith’s facial expressions can’t be seen, she can be seen hunching forward in laughter at Rock’s response.
When her husband begins shouting next to her, she remains fixed in an upright position, but seems to laugh when Rock, composing himself, attempts to brush the moment off, calling it “the greatest night in the history of television”.
More footage shows a dazed Rock looking around in shock minutes after the incident.
While Smith has since issued an apology to Rock, the comedian said on Wednesday (30 March) he was “still processing” what happened during his first stand-up show since the incident. Sources close to Rock have said he had “no idea” about Pinkett Smith’s condition.
The Academy in a statement on Wednesday said it had initiated “disciplinary proceedings” against Smith for violating its Standards of Conduct, but on Friday (1 April), Smith announced his resignation from the organisation.
Find exactly what that means for Smith’s future at the Oscars here.