- Apology Confirmed: Wanda Sykes has revealed that Will Smith did, in fact, call to apologize for slapping Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars, an update to her previous statements that he had not reached out.
- A Tainted Memory: Sykes admits the infamous incident completely overshadowed her hosting duties, a career highlight she shared with Regina Hall and Amy Schumer.
- Delayed Communication: When Smith called to apologize, Sykes was ill with COVID or a bad cold and couldn’t speak, replying only with a brief text message.
- The Lasting Impact: The slap continues to be the dominant memory of the 94th Academy Awards, eclipsing the hosts’ performances and the night’s winners.
The Apology Finally Revealed
In a revelation that adds a final chapter to one of Hollywood’s most shocking live television moments, comedian and 2022 Oscars co-host Wanda Sykes has confirmed she did receive a personal apology from Will Smith for his infamous slap of Chris Rock. For years, Sykes had maintained that Smith never reached out to her after the incident derailed the ceremony she was hosting. However, in a new interview with Variety, she set the record straight.
“He did. He called,” Sykes stated, providing the update many have been waiting for. She explained the delayed confirmation, noting, “I had COVID or a bad cold. I just texted to say, ‘Hey, I got your message. Thank you. I can’t talk.’ But he did call.”
How the Slap Overshadowed a Career Milestone
While the apology may bring some closure, Sykes confessed that the event has permanently soured her memory of what should have been a career pinnacle. The hosting gig, shared with Amy Schumer and Regina Hall, was instantly eclipsed by the controversy.
“I mean, I loved working with Regina [Hall] and Amy [Schumer]. But like you said, it got overshadowed,” Sykes explained. “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.”
A Night of Chaos and Consequence
The incident unfolded after Chris Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, a result of her alopecia. Will Smith responded by walking on stage, striking Rock across the face, and yelling obscenities from his seat. The shocking moment was followed by an even more surreal one, as Smith won the Best Actor Oscar for his role in King Richard less than an hour later.
In the aftermath, Smith issued a public apology, resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and was subsequently banned from attending the Oscars and any other Academy events for 10 years. While Rock declined to press charges, the slap’s ripple effect has been felt throughout the industry, leaving a permanent mark on the careers of all involved and on the legacy of the Academy Awards itself.
Image Referance: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/celebrity/articles/oscars-host-wanda-sykes-gives-225937490.html