Why Jada Pinkett Smith Was Slammed for Oscars Slap: An In-depth Analysis

Jada Pinkett Smith Shares Insights on Public Blame for Oscars Slap Incident

In an exclusive interview with People magazine, Jada Pinkett Smith addresses the public’s tendency to blame her for her husband Will Smith’s infamous slap of comedian Chris Rock during the 2022 Oscars. Pinkett Smith dismisses rumors and states that false narratives suggesting she was the reason for the slap are ridiculous.

While understanding the human need to ascribe blame, Pinkett Smith asserts that people were ignorant of the true nature of the situation and she was not surprised by being faulted. She recognizes that individuals require a target for their frustration when circumstances remain hidden from view.

It recently emerged that Pinkett Smith and Smith have been leading separate lives since 2016, a revelation that surprised their fans. The couple confirmed their separation during a prime-time special with NBC’s Hoda Kotb, stating they have been pursuing distinct paths.

Their separation was not public knowledge at the time singer August Alsina stated in a June 2020 interview that he had a past romantic relationship with Pinkett Smith. This claim led to the famous “entanglement” discussion on an episode of “Red Table Talk” with Smith.

In that episode, the couple clarified that they were already separated when the alleged relationship occurred. They also hinted at the possibility of Smith having his own extramarital affairs.

Many fans assumed their separation was temporary and believed they had reconciled after the “Red Table Talk” episode. However, Pinkett Smith’s revelation this week challenges that assumption.

In her upcoming memoir, “Worthy,” set to be released on Oct. 17, Pinkett Smith promises to provide further details about her separation from Smith and the Oscars slap incident.

The incident at the 2022 Oscars, when Smith struck Rock on stage, gained significant attention. Rock had made a joke about Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, a result of her long-standing struggle with alopecia.

Despite some social media blaming Pinkett Smith for her husband’s actions, Smith publicly stated that the decision to hit Rock was based on his personal history with the comedian.

In hindsight, Pinkett Smith admits she initially believed the incident was part of a skit and only realized it was real when Smith walked back to his seat. She shares that she was taken aback by the sudden turn of events.

Pinkett Smith also mentioned her own history with Chris Rock, revealing that he had asked her out in the summer of 2016 during the time when rumors circulated about her separation from Smith. After she clarified that the reports were mere speculation, Rock offered a sincere apology.