When discussing the 94th Academy Awards held in 2022, the iconic moment that springs to mind for many viewers is the shocking incident where Will Smith slapped Chris Rock on stage. This unexpected act of violence overshadowed the night’s events, which included the hosting trio of Wanda Sykes, Regina Hall, and Amy Schumer. In the aftermath of that chaotic moment, Will Smith eventually reached out to apologize to Sykes for his actions.
During a conversation with Variety about her standup tour titled “Please & Thank You,” Sykes shared that Smith did contact her post-incident. She reflected on how their hosting performance had been largely forgotten due to the controversy. “People talk to me about that night without even mentioning, ‘Oh yeah, you hosted, right?’ Like I was in the audience or at home, watching TV. But I was there,” she remarked, expressing a mix of pride and disappointment regarding the memory of that night.
The incident escalated from a joke made by Chris Rock, who was presenting the Best Documentary Feature award. He referenced Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, which was due to her alopecia, by joking about her starring in a sequel to “G.I. Jane.” In response to the joke, Will Smith walked onto the stage, slapped Rock, and returned to his seat, demanding that Rock keep his wife’s name out of his “fucking mouth.”
Following that dramatic moment, Smith won the Oscar for Best Actor for his role in “King Richard.” Although he didn’t specifically mention Rock in his acceptance speech, he did apologize to the Academy and later reached out to Rock the following day. While Wanda Sykes had previously stated that Smith hadn’t apologized to her right away, she now confirms he did call her, although she was unable to talk at the time due to illness. She sent him a text acknowledging his message and thanking him for reaching out.
While it’s uncertain if the two had a deeper conversation post-recovery, Sykes emphasized the significance of the apology, considering her long-standing friendship with Chris Rock. The impact of the slap was significant, leading to Smith’s expulsion from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and a 10-year ban from attending any Academy events.
Wanda Sykes can be seen performing in “Please & Thank You” until her tour wraps up in March 2026, while Will Smith’s production company, Westbrook, has recently inked a multi-picture deal with Paramount. Looking ahead, the 98th Academy Awards will be broadcast on Sunday, March 15, 2026, with Conan O’Brien set to host once more. This ongoing journey highlights a potential path toward reconciliation and the resilience of the arts community.