The recent incident involving comedian Chris Rock and actor Will Smith at the Oscars garnered worldwide attention. When Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett-Smith’s alopecia, a condition causing hair loss, Smith reacted by slapping him on stage. However, speculation now surrounds whether this highly publicized altercation was staged for publicity.

Some sources, like Rare, have presented evidence suggesting that Rock may have been prepared for the incident. Slow-motion videos of the slap are circulating, allowing viewers to analyze Rock’s reactions. Additionally, an image circulated online, claiming Rock wore a cheek guard, but this image was likely manipulated to create confusion.

Critics argue that Smith was defending his wife’s honor, given the sensitive nature of the joke about her condition. Alopecia is a significant concern among Black women, often causing emotional distress due to hair loss.

Some believe that Smith and Rock may have conspired for publicity, given their longtime friendship. However, most people assert that the incident was genuine, with Smith reacting impulsively to defend his wife. Regardless of its authenticity, the incident drew significant attention to the Oscars, revitalizing interest in an event that had faced years of boycotts and dwindling viewership.