29 Mar 2022

Oscars so violent?

From The Panel, 4:05 pm on 29 March 2022

We recap the reactions to the dramatic Oscars moment when Will Smith walked on stage and slapped host Chris Rock.

The physical altercation happened after Rock made a joke about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, being bald.

It's a hairstyle she has chosen due to the medical condition Alopecia, a decision which she has discussed publicly.

Criticism has been split - do we condemn Rock for his joke, Smith for his reaction, or both or none?

Despite the male aggression that ultimately grabbed headlines, it was an historic night for inclusion - Smith became the fifth Black man to win Best Actor, and the Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor awards went to CODA a film that starred deaf actors.

Wallace and panellists Verity Johnson and David Farrar discussed the incident and the public's response with LA-based April Reign, who created the #OscarsSoWhite movement back in 2016. 

US actor Will Smith slaps US actor Chris Rock onstage during the 94th Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 27, 2022.

US actor Will Smith slaps US actor Chris Rock onstage during the 94th Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 27, 2022. Photo: AFP or licensors