While the Oscars have seen its popularity and relevance plummet over the years, one of the most controversial and viral moments in recent history occurred during the 94th Academy Awards, which commenced on Sunday.
An incident occurred between Will Smith and Chris Rock, who was there to present an award, after the latter joked about Jada Pinkett Smith's short hairstyle. Both the actress and the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star did not appreciate that punchline as Jada's hairstyle stems from her battle with alopecia, resulting in Will walking up on stage and slapping the comedian live on camera.
It did not end there as after returning to his seat, Will twice yelled at Chris and demanded he never mention his wife's name, using expletive language along the way. Check out the incident in the clips below.
Watch the moment Will Smith goes on stage at the Oscars and hits comedian Chris Rock after he makes joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smithhttps://t.co/mDQKMc3nXd pic.twitter.com/IsEefJdlj4
— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) March 28, 2022
And as typical, those on Twitter witnessed this incident in complete shock before taking to the social media website to conjure several memes and jokes. The footballing world was no exception, with famous names from the beautiful game popping up for a few laughs.
Additionally, fans and troll pages alike joined in on the fun, using some memorable moments from football to come up with a few hilarious punchlines. Check out the best tweets below.
— Out of Context Football Manager (@nocontextfm1) March 28, 2022
Will Smith at the Oscars…
— Jay Motty (@JayMotty) March 28, 2022
pic.twitter.com/ZkAgqb6lnu
Did Will Smith win an Oscar for "Ali"…?
— Jan Aage Fjørtoft (@JanAageFjortoft) March 28, 2022
Will Smith should play Muhammad Ali in a movie.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) March 28, 2022
Will Smith laughing at Chris Rock's joke then realizing Jada ain't happy pic.twitter.com/oL8lkP2PIY
— Mash (@mash_manuel) March 28, 2022
Had to be done pic.twitter.com/4z1EZxM4EG
— Project Football (@ProjectFootball) March 28, 2022
Marcus Rashford typing up Will Smith's apology tweet pic.twitter.com/ztbcFqLKdk
— ODDSbible (@ODDSbible) March 28, 2022
Same energy pic.twitter.com/oSWeZWAZK8
— GOAL (@goal) March 28, 2022
'Yes Will Smith has slapped Chris Rock. But you've got to ask yourself, where was Paul Pogba in all of this?' pic.twitter.com/uvk1B7fpG0
— Alexei (@MUFC_redarmy99) March 28, 2022
— Jonny Sharples (@JonnyGabriel) March 28, 2022
Definite contact but was his arm in an unnatural position? pic.twitter.com/l2yL3unO9m
— Project Football (@ProjectFootball) March 28, 2022
"After reviewing the footage I don't think Will Smith did anything wrong, in fact I believe Chris Rock slapped Will Smith." pic.twitter.com/ZppaXR09zR
— M M (@MickMcCarthy92) March 28, 2022
"If you just stop it… there" pic.twitter.com/3Qs5vWXae8
— ODDSbible (@ODDSbible) March 28, 2022
Will Smith would go on to win the Best Actor prize for his role in the movie King Richard. However, his ugly run-in with the famous stand-up comedian will forever be what this edition of the Oscars is remembered for.