Oscars 2022 had a standout moment where actor Will Smith got up on stage to punch comedian Chris Rock for making a joke about Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith, and since then, Twitter users have found a six-year-old post predicting this altercation.
In a February 29, 2016 tweet, a user named Jason wrote “Will Smith has to punch Chris Rock in the face …. He has no choice”.
The user put a Youtube link as a reference along with his tweet. In the YouTube video, Chris Rock can be heard making fun of Pinkett Smith at the 2016 Oscars, which he hosted as well.
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The ‘Gotham’ actor had boycotted the ceremony due to a lack of diversity but Rock made a joke about her not being invited. At the time, Pinkett Smith had noted wanted to keep things moving beyond the joke. The actor was none too amused at the 94th Academy Awards this year either when Rock joked about Pinkett Smith’s hair.
Several users pointed out the accuracy of the tweet’s prediction, with one even commenting that there’ll probably be a ‘Simpsons‘ video that foretold this event as well. Another quipped that a prophecy delayed is not a prophecy denied.
Meanwhile, Smith took the stage after winning best actor for his performance in ‘King Richard‘. He took the chance to apologize for his actions. Though Rock has not filed a complaint, the Academy has officially released a statement that it doesn’t condone any form of violence.
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They’ve also condemned Smith’s actions and announced “We … will explore further action and consequences in accordance with our bylaws, standards of conduct and California law”.
At an Oscar afterparty, Smith and his wife Jada were seen enjoying themselves, though the ‘Bad Boys’ actor has since then issued a public apology to Rock saying that violence has no place in a world of kindness and love.