Comedian Wanda Sykes has confirmed that Will Smith did call her to apologize for his infamous slap of Chris Rock at the 2022 Academy Awards, an incident that Sykes says utterly overshadowed her co-hosting experience. Despite the personal outreach, Sykes reflects on how the “slap heard ’round the world” made her hosting gig alongside Regina Hall and Amy Schumer largely forgotten by the public.
For many comedians, hosting the Academy Awards is a pinnacle, a career-defining moment etched into the annals of Hollywood history. However, for Wanda Sykes, one of the three hosts of the 94th Academy Awards in 2022, the memory is tinged with the dramatic interruption of Will Smith’s onstage slap of Chris Rock. In a recent interview with Variety, Sykes offered a candid update on whether Will Smith ever apologized to her directly, and how the incident irrevocably shaped her recollection of that night.
The Apology That Almost Didn’t Happen (Or Was Undeliverable)
Previously, Wanda Sykes had publicly stated that Will Smith had not apologized to her or her co-hosts for the disruption caused by his actions. This past week, Sykes offered a significant update: Smith did call her. However, circumstances prevented a direct conversation at the time.
“He did. He called,” Sykes told Variety. She explained, “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.” This personal outreach marks a turning point in the aftermath of the incident, addressing a point of contention Sykes had raised regarding the lack of direct apology to those who worked tirelessly to put the show together.
The Slap Heard ‘Round the World: A Brief Recap
The incident that marred the 2022 Oscars telecast occurred when Chris Rock, while presenting an award, made a joke about the appearance of Will Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, who lives with alopecia, a medical condition causing hair loss. Smith reacted by walking onto the stage, striking Rock across the face, and then returning to his seat to yell, “Keep my wife’s name out of your f—ing mouth.”
Less than an hour after this shocking moment, Smith received the Best Actor award for his role as Richard Williams in King Richard. The following day, he issued a public apology via Instagram, acknowledging his behavior as “unacceptable and inexcusable.” Despite Rock declining to press charges, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences initiated a formal review. This ultimately led to Smith’s voluntary resignation from the Academy and a 10-year ban from attending any Academy events.
An Achievement Overshadowed
When asked by Variety if the incident had soured her memory of hosting the prestigious event, Sykes’ response highlighted the profound impact of the slap. “I mean, I loved working with Regina [Hall] and Amy [Schumer]. But like you said, it got overshadowed,” she reflected. This sentiment resonates with many who watched the telecast, as the discussion around the slap dominated headlines and public discourse.
Sykes further illustrated this point by saying, “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.” It’s a poignant observation from a performer who, along with her co-hosts, dedicated significant effort to the evening, only to have their contributions eclipsed by a single, shocking moment.
Interestingly, Chris Rock himself reportedly apologized to Sykes at an Oscars after-party, recognizing that the incident had detracted from the hosts’ night. Sykes shared this anecdote previously on *The Ellen Show*, emphasizing Rock’s character and his understanding of the situation. This gesture, according to Sykes, was unnecessary, but further underscored the collective impact of the event on everyone involved in the ceremony.
The Legacy of the 2022 Oscars
The 2022 Academy Awards will forever be remembered for the slap, more so than for any of the celebrated films or performances. For hosts like Wanda Sykes, Regina Hall, and Amy Schumer, what should have been a career highlight became a footnote to a controversy. While Will Smith’s apology to Sykes is a step towards mending personal ties, the broader impact on the memory of their hosting remains clear. The incident serves as a stark reminder of how a single moment can redefine an entire event, shifting the focus from collective achievement to individual controversy.
