2022 Year in Review: Will Smith Slaps Chris Rock at the Oscars & Gets Slapped with Seismic Repercussions

Be it for the good, bad, ugly, or downright shocking, 2022 was full of monumentally memorable moments!

Now, as the year draws to a close, That Grape Juice is reflecting on the occasions that rocked – and to some degree maybe even reshaped – the Urban and Pop cultural landscape as we know it.

Next, we revisit the slap seen around the world. Join us after the jump as we explore Will Smith‘s Oscar night showdown with Chris Rock and the fall-out that followed…

The 2022 Oscars were always set to be major for Will Smith. Riding high on the success of ‘King Richard,’ the superstar was largely considered a shoo-in for Best Actor for his powerful portrayal of Richard Williams – father of tennis legends Venus & Serena – in the critically acclaimed biopic.

And while fate saw Will take home the honor (his first Academy Award), he made the most resonating headlines for a much more shocking reason. Because, after comedian Chris Rock cracked a joke about the actor’s wife Jada Pinkett, the 54-year-old stormed the stage and punched the funnyman live on air.

Breaking: Will Smith PUNCHES Chris Rock Live On Stage at Oscars 2022 After Jada Pinkett Jab

In the immediacy of the moment, many questioned whether it was a skit or sketch. But, it quickly came apparent that it was no joke and it had everyone talking.

Celebrities React to Will Smith Slapping Chris Rock at 2022 OSCARs [Nicki Minaj, Drake, Cher, Lil Kim, etc.]

Jada Pinkett Smith Breaks Silence After Will Smith & Chris Rock’s Slap Incident at the Oscars: “This Is a Season for Healing”

Tony Rock To Will Smith After Chris Rock OSCARs Slap: ‘It’s On Bro!’

What followed was a rapid flow of developments - ranging from apologies to resignations to the actor being BANNED from the Academy for 10 years.

Breaking: Will Smith RESIGNS from the Academy Over Chris Rock Oscars Slap Drama

Will Smith BANNED from the Oscars for 10 Years Over Chris Rock Slap, But Will Keep Academy Award

With the drama seemingly in rearview, Will has moved forward with the release of new movie 'Emancipation' - which ironically is drumming up Oscar buzz (he can still be nominated and even win; he just cannot attend the ceremony for the next ten years).

It's of note, though, that Chris has yet to give a measured response about the situation (sans a few indirect remarks). And with the comedy veteran gearing up to make history with Netflix's first live-streamed stand-up special in the New Year, it's safe to expect commentary of some sort. Put simply, it's unlikely we've heard the last of the slap seen around the world.

Your thoughts?

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