Truth behind Nicole Kidman’s viral reaction photo

This photo of Nicole Kidman at yesterday’s Oscars summed up the world’s reaction to Will Smith – but all is not what it seems.

Sorry to disappoint meme fans.

Nicole Kidman went viral on social media yesterday for a photo of what appeared to be her “reacting” to Will Smith slapping Chris Rock.

But as it turns out, the picture was snapped before Oscars ceremony even began broadcasting.

The Best Actress nominee, 54, was photographed sitting in her Armani Privé gown with her jaw dropped and eyes wide open.

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Sadly, it turns out this is just Nicole Kidman’s ‘OMG you won an untelevised Oscar’ face.

While many fans assumed that Kidman was reacting to the slap, the photo was taken around 4.30pm local time as guests were still taking their seats – a full three hours before the incident.

Leading up to the broadcast part of the evening, the Oscars presented eight awards in categories such as film editing, sound, makeup and hairstyling, among others.

Kidman’s stunned facial expression – most likely to one of those winners – became a viral meme after it was taken out of context.

Imagine if THIS was her reaction to Will Smith hitting Chris Rock. Picture: AFP

The photo went viral as various accounts falsely claimed that Kidman was reacting to the moment Smith, 53, struck Rock, 57, onstage after the comedian mocked Jada Pinkett Smith’s bald head – which is due to being diagnosed with alopecia.

“Nicole Kidman reacting to the Chris Rock and Will Smith incident at the #Oscars. A NEW MEME IS BORN,” one fan tweeted along with the picture.

“Nicole Kidman and her husband [Keith Urban] having a front-row seat watching Will Smith slap the sh*t out of Chris Rock #Oscars#Oscars2022,” another person wrote. A third tweeted, “Nicole Kidman should have won an Oscar for her reaction to the Will Smith Slap.”

We got at least one celeb’s reaction caught live on camera.

“Will Smith slapped Chris Rock so hard he cracked Nicole Kidman’s Botox,” another joked.

Fans were also quick to meme Lupita Nyong’o, who sat behind Smith as he told Rock to “Keep my wife’s name out of your f***ing mouth.”

“Lupita Nyong’o is all of us slowing realising it’s not a bit, and Will is MAD mad #Oscars2022,” a fan tweeted alongside a video clip.

The slap seen and heard around the world. Picture: AFP

The King Richard star later gave a tearful apology to the Academy and his fellow nominees for his actions during his Best Actor acceptance speech. However, we’re told he and Rock didn’t bury the hatchet until after the awards show.

Sean “Diddy” Combs confirmed exclusively to Page Six at the Vanity Fair after-party that Rock and Smith had worked things out.

“That’s not a problem. That’s over. I can confirm that,” Diddy, 52, told us, adding that the two are “brothers”.

This story originally appeared on Page Six and is republished here with permission