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Wanda Sykes Confirms Will Smith Finally Apologized After Oscars Slap — Three Years Later
Oct
Comedian Wanda Sykes has shared a surprising update about the infamous 2022 Oscars slap, revealing that Will Smith eventually reached out to apologize — years after the incident that overshadowed her big night as one of the show’s hosts.
In a new interview with Variety, Sykes reflected on her experience hosting the 94th Academy Awards alongside Amy Schumer and Regina Hall, admitting that the night — meant to be a career highlight — was completely eclipsed by the shocking moment when Smith slapped Chris Rock live onstage.
“He Did Call,” Says Wanda Sykes
When asked whether Smith ever personally apologized to her after the Oscars chaos, Sykes confirmed that he did — eventually.
“He did. He called,” she said. “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.”
The acknowledgment marks the first time Sykes has publicly confirmed that Smith personally reached out, after previously telling fans and interviewers that she had never received a direct apology.
The Slap That Shook Hollywood
The unforgettable moment occurred during the March 27, 2022 telecast, when Chris Rock — presenting an award — made a joke referencing Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, alluding to G.I. Jane. Jada, who suffers from alopecia, appeared unamused. Moments later, Will Smith walked onto the stage and struck Rock across the face before returning to his seat and shouting, “Keep my wife’s name out of your f—ing mouth!”
Less than an hour later, Smith won the Best Actor Oscar for his role in King Richard. His acceptance speech, though emotional, did not include an apology to Rock or to those affected. The following day, Smith posted a public apology on Instagram, calling his actions “unacceptable and inexcusable.”
Academy Fallout and Aftermath
In the weeks that followed, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences launched an investigation into the incident. Rock declined to press charges, but Smith resigned from the Academy and was subsequently banned from attending the Oscars or any Academy-related events for 10 years.
Wanda Sykes Reflects on a Night Overshadowed
When asked whether the slap soured her memories of hosting, Sykes admitted the incident still overshadows what should have been a milestone.
“I mean, I loved working with Regina and Amy,” she told Variety. “But like you said, it got overshadowed. People talk to me about that night without even mentioning, ‘Oh yeah, you hosted, right?’ Like I was in the audience or at home, watching TV. But I was there.”
Despite the chaos, Sykes remains proud of the work she and her cohosts did — even if much of the world remembers that Oscars night for a very different reason.
