A-list stars, Twitter reacts to Will Smith slapping Chris Rock

Movie stars watched on in sheer horror as Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars, as Twitter also erupted in shock.

The world has just witnessed the most shocking moment in the Oscars’ 94-year history – and everyone has reacted in sheer horror.

Will Smith exploded at Chris Rock for making a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith, in which Rock quipped that he “couldn’t wait” to see the sequel of G.I Jane, appearing to mock Pinkett-Smith’s shaved head.

Smith initially appeared to laugh at the joke but changed his tune when the comment made his wife upset, before storming onstage and slapping the comedian in the face.

He returned to his seat and continued his outburst, screaming: “Keep my wife’s name out your f**king mouth!”

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US actor Will Smith slaps US actor Chris Rock. Picture: Robyn Beck / AFP

Stunned celebrities were photographed watching the scene unfold from inside the theatre.

LUPITA IN THE BEHIND WILL SMITH IS KILLING ME #AcademyAwardspic.twitter.com/BtITt6SC4R

— matt murdocks gf ♡ (@omgmattmurdock) March 28, 2022

Beyoncé & Jay Z’s reaction to Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the #Oscars. I am her😭. pic.twitter.com/1fs4OG2QVl

— TV Fanatic👑⚜️ (@TvKhaleesi) March 28, 2022

Over on Twitter, where Will Smith and Chris Rock are trending, thousands of people have also expressed their shock over the unbelievable moment:

the audience after will smith slapped chris rock: #Oscarspic.twitter.com/Ji6RKXABc7

— marc (@marc_lourence) March 28, 2022

Oscars officials going to make sure that Will Smith wins the best actor award after seeing what he did to Chris Rock pic.twitter.com/xN2xa72g9e

— Rich (@UptownDC_Rich) March 28, 2022

Will Smith's lawyers right now: pic.twitter.com/EfjYXETCHX

— SuperVilli@N (@NYstate2000) March 28, 2022

they should cancel the rest of the show and just have everyone describe what happened big little lies style

— Anna Swartz (@Anna_Snackz) March 28, 2022

Will Smith could make history as the first actor to win an Oscar and be arrested for assault on the same night.

— George Hahn (@georgehahn) March 28, 2022

#whatjusthappened Did Will Smith just become the Kanye West of the Oscars? pic.twitter.com/IBJ12G52Wp

— 🇺🇸 Right Wing All Starsâ„¢ 🇺🇸 (@RtWingAllStars) March 28, 2022

Me scrolling on twitter after reading about Will Smith smacking Chris Rock at the #Oscarspic.twitter.com/Lm4XuMKM7M

— Droid 🐣 (@droidn9ne) March 28, 2022

Will Smith I am so sorry i wasn’t your mother pic.twitter.com/rsrv6OqdQn

— doctor worm (@awaitingtrial) March 28, 2022

Minutes later, Smith was forced to make an awkward acceptance speech after winning Best Actor for King Richard, in which he broke down in tears as he apologised to the Academy. He did not mention Rock.

“I want to be a vessel for love. I want to apologise to the Academy, I want to apologise to all my fellow nominees.

“Art imitates life, I look like the crazy father just like they said about Richard Williams. But love will make you do crazy things.”