The Rock jokes about Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett’s hairstyle Blacksmith Which referenced the movie “GI Jane” in which actress Demi Moore shaved her head.
Smith, who has been nominated for Best Actor for “King Richard,” went on stage and slapped Rock, in what was at first a scripted joke. But the mood later took a turn when Smith, back in his seat, shouted, “Put my wife’s name out of your fu****ji mouth.”
That moment shocked Dolby Theater audiences and home audiences. On commercial break, presenter Daniel Kaluuya came to hug Smith, and Denzel Washington Took him to the edge of the stage. The two talked and hugged and Tyler Perry also came to talk.
Fans took to Twitter to share their shock over the heated exchange, which was speculated by some.
I #Oscars during this Chris Rock and Will Smith moment https://t.co/idTP8tuRvi
— Anneliese Bustillo (@anni_magus) 1648434516000
Hole on… Was Will Smith abusing Chris Rock?! #Oscar https://t.co/9AmJjzaw5u
– Rachel. (@_loveRachel_) 1648434467000
Will Smith OMG this is weird AF #Oscars https://t.co/HTfMsvyZF6
— JaevonWilliams (@JaevonWilliams) 1648434472000
What just happened? was that real? Will Smith really punch Chris Rock?? #Oscar
— Christine Gallia (@chrisgalea) 1648434451000
Wtf just happened at the Oscars… was it real with Will Smith and Chris Rock? https://t.co/6eNapdXNIG
— Andrea H. (@andie_12h) 1648434509000
Wow! Will Smith just dismissed Chris Rock! Wow! #Oscars live https://t.co/EX5tYdodKn
— Interterrestrial Computer Stove (@YourStankMule) 1648434498000
Everyone on #Oscars with Will Smith right now: https://t.co/eJ6Yubje1d
— Xiomara Ramirez (@LadyXioG) 1648434579000
We are all trying to figure out what happened between Chris Rock and Will Smith. #Oscar https://t.co/qM8LvVIJyp
— Brandon Pfeltz (@brandinian) 1648434563000
Smith is widely expected to win his first Oscar at the ceremony.