The world is still reeling from Will Smith smacking comedian Chris Rock during the Academy Awards on Sunday night. The next day, late night television host James Corden spoke out to give his thoughts on the “slap that was heard around the world. ”
In case you somehow missed the slap, you can check it out below. We must warn you that this video does include some profanity.
VIA JAPANESE TELEVISION: The uncensored exchange between Will Smith and Chris Rock pic.twitter.com/j0Z184ZyXa
— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) March 28, 2022
Backstory: Internet Erupts After Will Smith Slaps Chris Rock At The Oscars
Corden Sounds Off On Oscars Smacking
Kicking off his show on Monday night with a joke about what happened, Corden said, “I mean, the whole incident threw me off in a huge way, also completely ruined my chances in the Oscar pool. I had Dame Judi Dench smacking Woody Harrelson.”
From there, however, he got more serious.
“Seriously though, I applaud Chris Rock for recovering, keeping the show moving. It was an incredibly dignified response,” Corden continued. “I’ll say this, Will Smith can’t take a joke, Chris Rock can take a punch. A steel jaw. Unbelievable!”
Check out Corden’s comments about the shocking Oscars moment in the video below.
Corden’s Scripted Bit
People Magazine reported that Corden’s show last night also included a scripted segment that featured the host meeting with his producers to plan out the episode. In this bit, Corden disagreed about how he wanted to recap the smack.
“James, we have to at least acknowledge [the incident],” one producer began.
“We don’t talk about Jada, no, no, no,” Corden sang in response, a reference to the song “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from the Disney movie Encanto, which took home the Best Animated Film Oscar on Sunday night.
Take a look:
Smith smacked Rock after the comedian made a joke comparing his wife Jada Pinkett Smith to “G.I. Jane,” as she has been rocking a bald head.
What Chris Rock may not have been aware of is that she suffers from alopecia, which has led to her losing her hair, and could be why Smith became so enraged (not that there’s any excuse for what he did).
Because comedians don’t have a medical chart for everyone in the audience. https://t.co/XzZcy9ITqq
— David Spade (@DavidSpade) March 29, 2022
Related: Devout Christian Denzel Washington Had Wise Words For Will Smith At The Oscars
Smith Apologizes
While Rock has yet to publicly address what happened, Smith has issued an apology.
“Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive,” he said. “My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are a part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally.”
“I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be,” Smith continued. “There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.”
One thing is for sure, and that is that this is certainly an Oscar moment that nobody will ever forget!
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