OSCARS

Oscars Officials Consider Having Will Smith Leave the Ceremony Following the Viral Slap of Chris Rock

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The Oscars were packed with many notable moments. Will Smith slapping Chris Rock on TV dominated every headline on Monday. In the third hour of the show, Chris Rock appeared to deliver an award for Best Documentary. Before running through the nominees, Rock got a few jokes off, and his final one was targeted toward Jada Pinkett Smith, highlighting her hair and asking was it for a sequel to G.I. Jane. The moment would lead to a slap from Smith to Rock. A new report from PEOPLE stated The Academy considered removing Will Smith from the ceremony.

“Having Will removed was definitely discussed seriously,” an industry source stated.

We are sure you know by now, but Will Smith slapped Chris Rock on the Oscars stage. Following the moment, Will Smith apologized to The Academy during his acceptance speech for his role as Richard Williams in King Richard. Following the viral moment, the Los Angeles Police Department issued a statement, revealing Rock will not press charges.

“LAPD investigative entities are aware of an incident between two individuals during the Academy Awards program,” the statement read. “The incident involved one individual slapping another. The individual involved has declined to file a police report.

“If the involved party desires a police report at a later date, LAPD will be available to complete an investigative report.”

Diddy was the first presenter to hit the stage following Will Smith slapping Chris Rock. Diddy stated they would fix the issue like a family at The Gold Party after the ceremony, he later revealed to Page Six that it was solved at the Vanity Fair event.

“That’s not a problem. That’s over. I can confirm that,” Diddy said. “It’s all love, they’re brothers.”

Page Six also notes Rock and Smith agreed to work out their issues after the ceremony.

The post Oscars Officials Consider Having Will Smith Leave the Ceremony Following the Viral Slap of Chris Rock appeared first on The Source.

Megan Thee Stallion Celebrates Being The First Female Rapper To Perform At The Oscars

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These days, everyone from brands, to massive events, to Roc Nation themselves are hoping Megan Thee Stallion will come through for them. The ever-popular, overly-sexual female rapper has been making a name for herself not just in hip-hop, but as a cultural force, and nothing could’ve made that more clear than her surprise performance at the Oscars last night. As more predictable, previously announced performers like Beyonce and Billie Eilish were already on the docket, viewers were definitely surprised when Megan joined in with the Encanto performance of “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” for the evening, adding an Oscar-ready rap verse to the already cultish hit.

But her verse at the Academy Awards annual gala was important and historical for a completely different reason, too. Apparently, it was the first time a female rapper has ever performed at the event. Taken in that context, Megan’s invitation to spice up “Bruno” hits on a whole new level. Megan was reflecting on the milestone last night after the show, and though plenty of people were lost in the drama of Will Smith and Chris Rock, the Hotties were definitely celebrating Megan’s success with her. “I literally was just in Puerto Rico less than 24 hrs ago performing, my dress had just came in last night from India, and that was thee FIRST FEMALE RAP PERFORMANCE at the OSCARS ever ! Im definitely in grind mode,” she wrote, and I’d have to agree.

What will she do next? Well, the Grammys are this weekend, so we’ll have to wait and see.

The Will Smith Oscars Slap Has Rap Fans Re-Examining A Line From J. Cole’s ‘No Role Modelz’

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One of my absolute favorite things in hip-hop is how the timely pop culture references often evolve with the times. Some rhymes age poorly, depending on the fortunes of the celebrity or work of art they address — see practically any NBA line that isn’t about Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, or LeBron James. Some rhymes, however, do the opposite, becoming even more exquisite as their subjects continue their careers, transforming the context and adding new layers of meaning to the originals.

Case in point: J. Cole‘s 2014 Forest Hills Drive single is currently undergoing an analytical reevaluation on Twitter thanks in large part to last night’s Academy Awards ceremony. In the song, Cole raps, “I want a real love, dark-skinned Aunt Viv love / That Jada and that Will love / That leave a toothbrush at your crib love / And you ain’t gotta wonder whether that’s your kid love.” At the time of its release, it was a fairly straightforward line evoking a wholesome romantic relationship, using Will and Jada Pinkett Smith as examples (ironic, considering the song’s title).

But after last night’s Oscars show, during which Will Smith stormed onstage and slapped comedian Chris Rock for making an off-color joke about Jada’s hair (which she shaved due to alopecia, a condition that makes sufferers’ hair fall out), fans have revisited just what “that Jada and Will love” really means, knowing what we know now — which is that Will can and will put his hands on somebody for offending his wife.

Naturally, responses vary. Some say the line also aged poorly, while others have noted the degrees by which it has evolved in the months since we were all teasing them about having an open relationship (don’t hide your hand now). Although a number of celebrities have weighed in, it’s fascinating — and really, really funny — that the person who had one of the wildest takes did so years ago by total accident.

Academy ‘Strongly Considered’ Removing Will Smith From Oscars After Chris Rock Slap

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Will Smith was almost kicked out of the Oscars.

According to a new report from CNN, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences leadership “strongly considered” removing the King Richard star from Sunday’s ceremony after he slapped Chris Rock.

“Academy leadership strongly considered removing Will Smith from last night’s broadcast following the incident,” said a source. “There were immediate discussions but the Academy decision makers were seated in various spots in the Dolby Theater and couldn’t mobilize to make a decision before he won Best Actor.”

Smith went on to win his first Oscar moments after slapping Rock following the comedian’s joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith. He apologized to the Academy and his fellow nominees during his emotional acceptance speech.

At least a dozen members of the Academy met virtually on Monday morning to discuss a response to the slap. They did not reach an agreement during the meeting, which was described as “heated” and “divided.”

Following the awards, the Oscars addressed the incident in a tweeted statement: “The Academy does not condone violence of any form. Tonight we are delighted to celebrate our 94th Academy Awards winners, who deserve this moment of recognition from their peers and movie lovers around the world.”

A formal review is now underway, according to The Hollywood Reporter. However, it’s unclear what repercussions, if any, Smith will face.

“The Academy condemns the actions of Mr. Smith at last night’s show,” said the Academy. “We have officially started a formal review around the incident and will explore further action and consequences in accordance with our Bylaws, Standards of Conduct and California law.”

During the Vanity Fair Oscar after-party, Diddy told Page Six that Smith and Rock had settled their issues and that it was “all love.” However, TMZ says that the two have not spoken since the slap. Rock reportedly went to his dressing room after the incident and there has been no communication between the two men.

Will Smith Partied To ‘Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It’ After Slapping Chris Rock At The Oscars

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Truth be told, part of what made Will Smith slapping Chris Rock during last night’s Oscars ceremony so shocking is that, since his beginnings as a rapper, Smith has put on something of a nice-guy persona. Even his biggest hit ever, “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It,” is a lighthearted dance floor anthem, which runs contrary to many folks’ perceptions of hardcore, mean-mugging hip-hop tough guys — even if Smith himself is from the same streets as them.

It seems, though, that even his out-of-character moment couldn’t stop him from enjoying his night after winning the award for Best Actor for his performance in King Richard. After the ceremony was over, Smith attended the Vanity Fair afterparty, where he celebrated his first-ever win — and what better song to soundtrack the celebration than his massive 1997 hit?

Still, despite Will securing his first Oscar, all anyone can talk about is the moment that preceded his win. Naturally, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences issued a statement condemning Smith’s actions at the ceremony, while a number of celebrities weighed in, including some of Smith’s fellow rappers, Stephen A. Smith, Rami Malek, Howard Stern, and the hosts of The View. However, according to Diddy, “it’s all love” between will and Chris Rock, who reportedly declined to press charges.

Check out the video of Smith dancing with his award to his own big hit above.

Will Smith Seen Dancing, Rapping to Hits Including “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It” at Oscars Party After Slapping Chris Rock

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50 Cent, Drake, Nicki Minaj, And More Weigh In On Will Smith’s Wild Oscars Moment

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Good morning. So, last night, every ounce of West Philly jumped out of Safe Black Guy Will Smith, who left fresh prints (heyo) on Chris Rock’s face during the Academy Awards after Rock made an ill-considered joke at the expense of Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith. In 2021, Jada revealed her ongoing struggle with alopecia, an autoimmune disorder that can make a person’s hair fall out. Rock, perhaps not realizing this, remarked that Jada’s freshly-shaved head could make her a candidate to star in a G.I. Jane remake (the titular character shaves her head upon joining the US Marines).

In a video taken from an international broadcast of the ceremony, Jada’s face says it all. For Will, who has had to put up with years of jokes about the couple’s marriage, this last straw broke the camel’s back, and he strode onto the stage to make an example of Rock, slapping him across the face. Although Rock tried to play the moment off, Will shouted from his seat: “Keep my wife’s name out of your mouth.” Fortunately, it seems Rock is taking things in stride, and according to Diddy, the two men had nothing but love afterward.

Obviously, those who saw the moment, whether live in person or watching at home, have thoughts about the possible overreaction, and the hot takes flew fast and furious on social media — including among Will Smith’s celebrity peers, including rappers like 50 Cent, Drake, Nicki Minaj, and more.

While 50, Drake, and others brought out the jokes, Nicki gave an empathetic — and vaguely threatening — take, expressing empathy for Jada Pinkett Smith. “Imagine what it must feel like to be losing your hair to the point where you have to shave it bald,” she wrote. “You think that’s easy to deal with for anyone? You don’t think she’s cried about that many times? 2022 y’all gon have to see these men about those jokes you made about their wives.”

Check out the responses, reactions, and hot takes below.

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Will Smith & Family Attends Oscars After-Party Following Chris Rock Slap

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Best Actor winner Will Smith and his family didn’t let Sunday night’s shocking altercation involving Chris Rock stop them from celebrating the night’s victory at the event’s official after-party. Deadline reports, Will Smith, wife Jada Smith, son Jaden Smith, and daughter Willow Smith attended the Vanity Fair after-party, which saw the blockbuster star dancing the night away to his 1997 hit “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It.”

MORE: [WATCH] Will Smith Slaps Chris Rock During Oscars Telecast After Comedian Jokes on Jada Pinkett Smith’s Hair

Smith entered the Vanity Fair after-party at midnight at the Wallis Annenberg Center in Beverly Hills after not speaking with the press or Academy officials backstage after delivering his speech. Throughout the party, the Smiths took photos with the press while the actors formed a circle around the actor as the DJ played the chart-topping hit from Smith’s debut solo album, Big Willie Style.

Before winning Best Actor for his starring performance in “King Richard.” The 53-year-old stun The Academy for slapping the event’s host, Chris Rock, following the comedian hurling a joke at Smith’s wife about playing in the sequel to the classic military film G.I. Jane — starring Demi Moore, referring to her bald head. “I can’t wait to see you in ‘G.I. Jane 2,’” said Rock before Will Smith stepped to the stage and proceeded to slap him across the face.

Smith would apologize to The Academy later on in the show for his earlier actions during his touching acceptance speech. However, Chris Rock was not mentioned during the apology. Rock has yet to comment on the altercation at press time.

MORE: The Internet Reacts To Will Smith Slapping Chris Rock On Stage During 2022 Academy Awards Ceremony

The LAPD will not be investigating the altercation as Chris Rock has declined to file a complaint against Smith for the physical assault, the Los Angeles Times reports. Smith hopes The Academy invites him back to the annual ceremony next year during his speech.

“LAPD investigative entities are aware of an incident between two individuals during the Academy Awards program,” said an LAPD spokesperson in an official statement. “The incident involved one individual slapping another. The individual involved has declined to file a police report. If the involved party desires a police report at a later date, LAPD will be available to complete an investigative report.”

Following the telecast, The Academy released a statement addressing the altercation, which states: “The Academy does not condone violence of any form. Tonight we are delighted to celebrate our 94th Academy Awards winners, who deserve this moment of recognition from their peers and movie lovers around the world.”

More as this story develops.

The post Will Smith & Family Attends Oscars After-Party Following Chris Rock Slap appeared first on The Source.

Drake, 50 Cent, Nicki Minaj, Tiffany Haddish, and More React to Will Smith Slapping Chris Rock at Oscars

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Image via Getty/Robyn Beck/AFP

  • Tiffany Haddish

  • Nicki Minaj

  • 50 Cent

  • Judd Apatow

  • Jaden Smith

  • DaBaby

  • Offset

  • Vince Staples

  • Freddie Gibbs

  • Drake

  • Fabolous