MC Jimmy Kimmel Mocks Will Smith’s Slap at the Oscars
MC Jimmy Kimmel mocked Will Smith’s slap incident during the opening segment of the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre. “We know this is a special night for all of you. We want you to have fun, feel safe. That’s most important to me, that everyone wants me to feel safe,” Jimmy Kimmel said.
He jokingly referenced Will Smith winning Best Actor for his role in “King Richard” right after attacking Chris Rock last year: “We have strict policies: If anyone in the theater engages in violent behavior at any point during this ceremony, they will be awarded the Best Actor Oscar and allowed a 19-minute speech.”
Kimmel gave “instructions” to the audience in case of violence or unexpected situations: “Just act like last year – do nothing. Sit there and do absolutely nothing. You can even hug the attacker. And if any of you get mad about a joke and want to storm up here, it’s not that easy. There are a few friends of mine that you have to get past.” Kimmel introduced his security guards, Michael B. Jordan, Pedro Pascal, and “Spider-Man” Andrew Garfield. The audience laughed continuously during his remarks.
The incident of Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars has become a familiar comedic topic at many Hollywood events. In the closing segment of the comedy special “Selective Outrage” on Netflix on March 5th, Chris Rock mentioned the altercation with his colleague: “You all know I got hit by Smith. Yes! That’s true. I got hit a year ago by that guy. People still ask if it hurt. I have to say, it still hurts.” Earlier this year, Golden Globe MC Jerrod Carmichael faced backlash for mentioning the incident in an unrelated context.
The controversy between Will Smith and Chris Rock became the most talked-about topic of the 2022 Oscars. Smith took the stage to hit the comedian as a joke about his bald head. Following the event, related phrases trended on social media. Will Smith apologized to his colleague on his personal page, and Chris Rock declined to accuse the actor of assault.
Smith acknowledged that his actions had caused harm to many people and expressed deep regret. This year, the actor did not attend the Oscars as he was banned from participating for 10 years. Will Smith, born in 1968, is a famous American actor. According to Forbes, he is one of the most successful movie stars with over 20 films grossing over $100 million. He is also known as a rapper, having won four Grammy Awards.
Jimmy Kimmel, born in 1967, is an MC and producer of the popular talk show “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on ABC. He previously hosted the Oscars in 2017.
