Wanda Sykes Reveals Will Smith’s Apology After Oscar Incident

The fallout from the infamous slap involving Will Smith and Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars continues to resonate. Recently, comedian and Oscar co-host Wanda Sykes provided an update on whether Smith reached out to her with an apology for the incident that overshadowed the awards ceremony.

During a recent interview with Variety, Sykes reflected on the impact of the slap, noting how it affected her experience hosting the Oscars alongside Regina Hall and Amy Schumer. She remarked, “I loved working with Regina and Amy. But like you said, it got overshadowed.” The slap occurred after Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith, which led to Smith’s unexpected reaction on stage.

Sykes described how the incident has become the focal point of conversations about that night, often overshadowing her role as a host. “People speak to me about that night without even addressing that I hosted the Oscars,” she stated, emphasizing that she was not merely a spectator but an active participant in the event.

When the topic of Smith’s apology arose, Sykes confirmed that he had indeed reached out. Initially, she had mentioned that Smith had not apologized directly after his public statement. However, she clarified, “He did. He called. 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.” This acknowledgment adds a layer of closure to the ongoing narrative surrounding the incident.

On the night of the Oscars, Smith’s actions led to significant consequences. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in King Richard but faced backlash for his conduct. Following the event, Smith issued a public apology to Rock and subsequently resigned from the Academy. As a result, he is banned from attending the Oscars and all Academy events for a period of ten years.

The slap has sparked a broader conversation about the boundaries of comedy and personal conduct, leaving a lasting impact on the participants and the audience alike. As the entertainment industry continues to navigate this controversy, the focus remains on the implications for those involved and the future of events like the Oscars.