Jim Carrey calls Hollywood ‘spineless’ for applauding Will Smith after Chris Rock slap
Actor Jim Carrey lambasted Will Smith and members of the Hollywood circle in candid comments after Smith smacked Chris Rock during the Academy Awards.
Appearing Tuesday, March 28, on “CBS Mornings,” Carrey called Smith’s smack a “selfish moment” and one that “cast a pall” over the annual award show.
Keep scrolling for a look back at other stunning live TV moments in history
“You do not have the right to walk up on stage and smack someone in the face because they said words,” Carrey said.
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Jim Carrey calls Hollywood ‘spineless’ for applauding Will Smith after Chris Rock slapAP Photo/David Phillip, file
Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake were reaching the end of their “Rock Your Body” duet at the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show when he yanked off her bustier, briefly revealing a bare breast with a sunburst nipple protector. The sheer scale of the event, with some 90 million people watching, made it a huge moment. Broadcaster CBS insisted it was as surprised as viewers at home, and it's still murky today whose idea it was. The phrases “wardrobe malfunction” and “nipplegate” joined the lexicon in its wake, a crackdown on television “indecency” was launched, and Jackson's career never fully recovered.
AP Photo/David Phillip, fileJanet Jackson and Justin Timberlake were reaching the end of their “Rock Your Body” duet at the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show when he yanked off her bustier, briefly revealing a bare breast with a sunburst nipple protector. The sheer scale of the event, with some 90 million people watching, made it a huge moment. Broadcaster CBS insisted it was as surprised as viewers at home, and it's still murky today whose idea it was. The phrases “wardrobe malfunction” and “nipplegate” joined the lexicon in its wake, a crackdown on television “indecency” was launched, and Jackson's career never fully recovered.
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Jim Carrey calls Hollywood ‘spineless’ for applauding Will Smith after Chris Rock slapAP Photo/Jason DeCrow, file
A 19-year-old Taylor Swift was thrilled to accept a “moon man” trophy at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards when Kanye West stepped on her celebration. Appearing on the Radio City Music Hall stage, he took the microphone and said that while he was happy for Swift, “Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time.” He shrugged and handed the mic back to a clearly crestfallen Swift, left to stand alone as the crowd shrieked in shock. Bad blood between the music megastars lingered.
AP Photo/Jason DeCrow, fileA 19-year-old Taylor Swift was thrilled to accept a “moon man” trophy at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards when Kanye West stepped on her celebration. Appearing on the Radio City Music Hall stage, he took the microphone and said that while he was happy for Swift, “Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time.” He shrugged and handed the mic back to a clearly crestfallen Swift, left to stand alone as the crowd shrieked in shock. Bad blood between the music megastars lingered.
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Jim Carrey calls Hollywood ‘spineless’ for applauding Will Smith after Chris Rock slapChris Pizzello/Invision/AP
When Warren Beatty opened the envelope supposedly containing the name of the best picture winner at the 2017 Oscars, he looked briefly confused before showing it to co-presenter Faye Dunaway, who anointed “La La Land” with the Oscar. Beatty's face was the hint something had gone awry: He'd been given the wrong envelope. After nearly 2 minutes of the wrong cast and producers celebrating onstage, the record was corrected. “Moonlight” had won. The accountants on duty that night lost — they were reassigned.
Chris Pizzello/Invision/APWhen Warren Beatty opened the envelope supposedly containing the name of the best picture winner at the 2017 Oscars, he looked briefly confused before showing it to co-presenter Faye Dunaway, who anointed “La La Land” with the Oscar. Beatty's face was the hint something had gone awry: He'd been given the wrong envelope. After nearly 2 minutes of the wrong cast and producers celebrating onstage, the record was corrected. “Moonlight” had won. The accountants on duty that night lost — they were reassigned.
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Jim Carrey calls Hollywood ‘spineless’ for applauding Will Smith after Chris Rock slapAP Photo/Ron Frehm
During rehearsals for her 1992 “Saturday Night Live” performance of the Bob Marley song, “War,” singer Sinead O'Connor had held up a picture of a child killed by police. But during the live show, she held a picture of Pope John Paul II that had hung on her mother's wall, and ripped it, to protest sexual abuse by priests. Condemnation was swift; even Frank Sinatra called her “one stupid broad.” Looking back years later, O'Connor wrote in a memoir, “I feel like having a No. 1 record derailed my career, and my tearing the photo put me back on the right track.”
Shown in photo: Kris Kristofferson comforts O'Connor after she was booed off stage during the Bob Dylan anniversary concert at New York Madison Square Garden, Oct. 17, 1992. The performance was O'Connor's first live event since the SNL appearance.
AP Photo/Ron FrehmDuring rehearsals for her 1992 “Saturday Night Live” performance of the Bob Marley song, “War,” singer Sinead O'Connor had held up a picture of a child killed by police. But during the live show, she held a picture of Pope John Paul II that had hung on her mother's wall, and ripped it, to protest sexual abuse by priests. Condemnation was swift; even Frank Sinatra called her “one stupid broad.” Looking back years later, O'Connor wrote in a memoir, “I feel like having a No. 1 record derailed my career, and my tearing the photo put me back on the right track.”
Shown in photo: Kris Kristofferson comforts O'Connor after she was booed off stage during the Bob Dylan anniversary concert at New York Madison Square Garden, Oct. 17, 1992. The performance was O'Connor's first live event since the SNL appearance.
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Jim Carrey calls Hollywood ‘spineless’ for applauding Will Smith after Chris Rock slapAP Photo/Matt Sayles
Bob Dylan was in the midst of a career renaissance, invited to perform his song “Love Sick” at the Grammy Awards in 1998. As he sang, a shirtless man with the words “soy bomb” written on his torso appeared behind in a strangely contorting dance before being hustled off by security. Performance artist Michael Portnoy had been hired to stand in the background but, as he explained to the Hollywood Reporter later, “it was such a perfect format to do something inscrutable.”
In photo: Dylan performs at the 53rd annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011, in Los Angeles.
AP Photo/Matt SaylesBob Dylan was in the midst of a career renaissance, invited to perform his song “Love Sick” at the Grammy Awards in 1998. As he sang, a shirtless man with the words “soy bomb” written on his torso appeared behind in a strangely contorting dance before being hustled off by security. Performance artist Michael Portnoy had been hired to stand in the background but, as he explained to the Hollywood Reporter later, “it was such a perfect format to do something inscrutable.”
In photo: Dylan performs at the 53rd annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011, in Los Angeles.
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Jim Carrey calls Hollywood ‘spineless’ for applauding Will Smith after Chris Rock slapAP Photo/John Locher
It was the climactic moment of the 2015 Miss Universe awards, and host Steve Harvey dramatically announced the winner, Miss Colombia. She stood on the stage for a few minutes and basked in the applause, waving the Colombian flag and blowing kisses. The crown was placed atop her head. Then Harvey sheepishly approached. “I have to apologize,” he said. She was actually the first runner-up. Miss Philippines was the winner. Harvey owned up to the mistake, which made for excruciating television.
AP Photo/John LocherIt was the climactic moment of the 2015 Miss Universe awards, and host Steve Harvey dramatically announced the winner, Miss Colombia. She stood on the stage for a few minutes and basked in the applause, waving the Colombian flag and blowing kisses. The crown was placed atop her head. Then Harvey sheepishly approached. “I have to apologize,” he said. She was actually the first runner-up. Miss Philippines was the winner. Harvey owned up to the mistake, which made for excruciating television.
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Jim Carrey calls Hollywood ‘spineless’ for applauding Will Smith after Chris Rock slapAP Photo, File
Streaking, or running naked in a public place, was a thing in 1974. Ray Stevens even had a hit song about it. So it couldn't have come as a complete surprise when a Los Angeles teacher, Robert Opel, stripped and rain onstage at that year's Oscars ceremony as actor David Niven talked. Opel had supposedly posed as a journalist to get in. There's been some suspicion that it was staged: Opel, who was murdered in a robbery attempt in 1979, appeared backstage later to talk about his stunt. Either way, Niven reacted with poise in quipping: “Isn't it fascinating to think that probably the only laugh that man will ever get in his life is by stripping off and showing his shortcomings?”
AP Photo, FileStreaking, or running naked in a public place, was a thing in 1974. Ray Stevens even had a hit song about it. So it couldn't have come as a complete surprise when a Los Angeles teacher, Robert Opel, stripped and rain onstage at that year's Oscars ceremony as actor David Niven talked. Opel had supposedly posed as a journalist to get in. There's been some suspicion that it was staged: Opel, who was murdered in a robbery attempt in 1979, appeared backstage later to talk about his stunt. Either way, Niven reacted with poise in quipping: “Isn't it fascinating to think that probably the only laugh that man will ever get in his life is by stripping off and showing his shortcomings?”
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Hosts Amy Schumer, from left, Wanda Sykes, and Regina Hall appear on stage at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloHosts Amy Schumer, from left, Wanda Sykes, and Regina Hall appear on stage at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Daniel Kaluuya, left, and H.E.R. present the award for best performance by an actress in a supporting role at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloDaniel Kaluuya, left, and H.E.R. present the award for best performance by an actress in a supporting role at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Ariana DeBose reacts in the audience as she is announced winner for best performance by an actress in a supporting role for "West Side Story" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloAriana DeBose reacts in the audience as she is announced winner for best performance by an actress in a supporting role for "West Side Story" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Ariana DeBose accepts the award for best performance by an actress in a supporting role for "West Side Story" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloAriana DeBose accepts the award for best performance by an actress in a supporting role for "West Side Story" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Host Regina Hall speaks at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloHost Regina Hall speaks at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Wesley Snipes, from left, Rosie Perez and Woody Harrelson present the award for best cinematography at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloWesley Snipes, from left, Rosie Perez and Woody Harrelson present the award for best cinematography at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Sebastian Yatra performs "Dos Oruguitas" from "Encanto" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloSebastian Yatra performs "Dos Oruguitas" from "Encanto" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Sebastian Yatra performs "Dos Oruguitas" from "Encanto" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloSebastian Yatra performs "Dos Oruguitas" from "Encanto" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Sheila E. performs at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloSheila E. performs at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Youn Yuh-jung, right, presents Troy Kotsur with the award for best performance by an actor in a supporting role for "CODA" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloYoun Yuh-jung, right, presents Troy Kotsur with the award for best performance by an actor in a supporting role for "CODA" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Becky G, left, and Luis Fonsi perform "We Don't Talk About Bruno" from "Encanto" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloBecky G, left, and Luis Fonsi perform "We Don't Talk About Bruno" from "Encanto" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Hosts Wanda Sykes, left, and Regina Hall appear on stage dressed as a characters from "King Richard" and "The Eyes of Tammy Faye," during a skit at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloHosts Wanda Sykes, left, and Regina Hall appear on stage dressed as a characters from "King Richard" and "The Eyes of Tammy Faye," during a skit at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Amy Schumer appears on stage dressed as Spider-Man during a skit at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloAmy Schumer appears on stage dressed as Spider-Man during a skit at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Sian Heder, right, signs "I really love you" as she accepts the award for best adapted screenplay for "CODA" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloSian Heder, right, signs "I really love you" as she accepts the award for best adapted screenplay for "CODA" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Billie Eilish performs "No Time To Die" from "No Time To Die" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloBillie Eilish performs "No Time To Die" from "No Time To Die" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Chris Rock presents the award for best documentary feature at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloChris Rock presents the award for best documentary feature at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Will Smith, right, hits presenter Chris Rock on stage while presenting the award for best documentary feature at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloWill Smith, right, hits presenter Chris Rock on stage while presenting the award for best documentary feature at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
presenter Chris Rock, left, reacts after being hit on stage by Will Smith while presenting the award for best documentary feature at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris Pizzellopresenter Chris Rock, left, reacts after being hit on stage by Will Smith while presenting the award for best documentary feature at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Bradley Cooper, left, and Will Smith appear in the audience at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloBradley Cooper, left, and Will Smith appear in the audience at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Al Pacino, from left, Francis Ford Coppola and Robert De Niro appear on stage during a "Godfather" reunion at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloAl Pacino, from left, Francis Ford Coppola and Robert De Niro appear on stage during a "Godfather" reunion at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Jamie Lee Curtis holds a puppy in honor of Betty White during an In Memoriam tribute at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloJamie Lee Curtis holds a puppy in honor of Betty White during an In Memoriam tribute at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Jamie Lee Curtis holds a puppy on stage in honor of Betty White during an In Memoriam tribute at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloJamie Lee Curtis holds a puppy on stage in honor of Betty White during an In Memoriam tribute at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Jada Pinkett Smith, left, and Will Smith appear in the audience at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloJada Pinkett Smith, left, and Will Smith appear in the audience at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Billie Eilish, right, and Finneas O'Connell accept the award for best original song for "No Time To Die" from "No Time To Die" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloBillie Eilish, right, and Finneas O'Connell accept the award for best original song for "No Time To Die" from "No Time To Die" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Jane Campion accepts the award for best director for "The Power of the Dog" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloJane Campion accepts the award for best director for "The Power of the Dog" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Will Smith accepts the award for best performance by an actor in a leading role for "King Richard" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloWill Smith accepts the award for best performance by an actor in a leading role for "King Richard" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Will Smith cries as he accepts the award for best performance by an actor in a leading role for "King Richard" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloWill Smith cries as he accepts the award for best performance by an actor in a leading role for "King Richard" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Uma Thurman, from left, Samuel L. Jackson and John Travolta present the award for best performance by an actor in a leading role at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloUma Thurman, from left, Samuel L. Jackson and John Travolta present the award for best performance by an actor in a leading role at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Mila Kunis introduces a performance by Reba McEntire at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloMila Kunis introduces a performance by Reba McEntire at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Reba McEntire performs "Somehow You Do" from "Four Good Days" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloReba McEntire performs "Somehow You Do" from "Four Good Days" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Jessica Chastain accepts the award for best performance by an actress in a leading role for "The Eyes of Tammy Faye" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloJessica Chastain accepts the award for best performance by an actress in a leading role for "The Eyes of Tammy Faye" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Lady Gaga, left, and Liza Minnelli present the award for best picture at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloLady Gaga, left, and Liza Minnelli present the award for best picture at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
The cast and crew of "CODA" accept the award for best picture at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloThe cast and crew of "CODA" accept the award for best picture at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Emilia Jones, from left, Daniel Durant, Sian Heder, Marlee Matlin and Eugenio Derbez appear on stage to accept the award for best picture for "CODA" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloEmilia Jones, from left, Daniel Durant, Sian Heder, Marlee Matlin and Eugenio Derbez appear on stage to accept the award for best picture for "CODA" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Hosts Regina Hall, from left, Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes appear on stage in pajamas at the end of the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloHosts Regina Hall, from left, Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes appear on stage in pajamas at the end of the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Rock was smacked after he made a joke about Will Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. When Will Smith took his seat after the physical confrontation, he had choice words for Rock.
“Keep my wife’s name out your ——- mouth,” Smith told Rock as the audience — and viewers — quickly realized the smack was not staged.
But later in the show, Smith received his first Oscar award, winning for Best Actor in a Leading Role. He received a standing ovation from the Academy Award crowd as he accepted the honor.
Carrey said he was “sickened” by that standing ovation.
“I felt like Hollywood is just spineless en masse,” Carrey said. “It just really felt like this is a really clear indication of we’re not the cool club anymore.”
Smith apologized to the Academy and to other nominees while he accepted the award for his role in the movie “King Richard.”
The night after the show, he shared a public apology on social media to Rock, saying he “was out of line” and he “was wrong.” He again apologized to the Academy and members of the “King Richard” movie, as well as the people the movie was based on.
Rock has chosen not to press charges against Smith, McClatchy News reported. Carrey believes Smith “should have been” arrested.
“He doesn’t want the hassle,” Carrey said of Rock. “I would have announced this morning that I was suing Will for $200 million because that video will be there forever. It’s gonna be ubiquitous. That insult will last a very long time.”
Other comedians took a similar stance as Carrey in criticizing Smith. Kathy Griffin, Tim Allen and Rosie O’Donnell were among those who took Rock’s side.
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