Jim Carrey Slams Will Smith’s Oscars Slap as “Selfish,” Calls Hollywood “Spineless”

The 94th Academy Awards, held on March 27, 2022, were irrevocably marked by an incident that shocked audiences worldwide and sparked an intense debate about civility, accountability, and celebrity culture. In a moment that immediately went viral, actor Will Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock on stage after Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head. The aftermath saw Smith win the Best Actor Oscar for his role in King Richard, followed by a standing ovation from many attendees. This reaction, in particular, drew the strong condemnation of fellow Hollywood veteran, Jim Carrey.

Jim Carrey, the acclaimed 60-year-old actor and comedian, expressed profound disappointment and disgust over the incident and Hollywood’s response. Speaking on CBS Mornings just two days after the controversial event, Carrey shared his candid thoughts with host Gayle King, revealing that he was “sickened” by the standing ovation Will Smith received. His remarks quickly resonated with a significant portion of the public who felt similar dismay over the perceived lack of immediate repercussions for Smith’s actions.

Carrey did not mince words when describing his feelings about the collective reaction from the industry. “Hollywood is just spineless en masse and it just really felt like this is a really clear indication that we’re not the cool club anymore,” the iconic star of films like The Mask and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind asserted. His statement suggested a broader concern about the moral compass of the entertainment industry, implying that the standing ovation symbolized a deeper issue of a compromised value system within the elite circle of Hollywood.

Jim Carrey calls #Oscar audience ‘spineless’ for Will Smith standing ovation:

“I was sickened by the standing ovation. Hollywood is just spineless en masse and it really felt like this is a really clear indication that we aren’t the cool club anymore.” pic.twitter.com/V2cYWKOgQ9

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) March 29, 2022

Expanding on his critique, Jim Carrey argued that Will Smith should have been immediately removed from the Academy Awards ceremony following the assault. When Gayle King mentioned that Chris Rock had declined to press charges against Smith, Carrey offered his perspective on Rock’s likely motivation, suggesting the comedian probably “didn’t want the hassle” of a legal battle. However, Carrey himself made it clear he would have taken a different approach.

“I’d have announced this morning that I was suing Will for 200 million dollars because that video is going to be there forever, it’s going to be ubiquitous,” Carrey stated emphatically. He elaborated on the lasting impact of such a public act of aggression: “That insult is gonna last a very long time. If you want to yell from the audience and show disapproval or say something on Twitter, you do not have the right to walk up on stage and smack somebody in the face ‘cuz they said words.” This powerful statement underscored Carrey’s belief in the distinction between verbal offense and physical violence, and the severe repercussions he felt should follow the latter, particularly when committed on such a prominent global stage. The monetary figure wasn’t just about personal gain, but about sending a strong message regarding the value of personal safety and the right to not be assaulted, regardless of the perceived provocation.

The conversation also touched upon the context of Chris Rock’s joke. Gayle King suggested that Rock’s comment about Jada Pinkett Smith’s alopecia — a condition that causes hair loss — might have “escalated” the situation, implying a shared responsibility. Jim Carrey firmly pushed back against this interpretation. “It didn’t escalate, it came out of nowhere because Will has something going on inside that’s frustrated,” Carrey explained. He clarified that while he harbors no ill will towards Smith personally, and acknowledges his significant contributions to film, the incident was an isolated and deeply regrettable moment that reflected internal struggles rather than a proportional reaction to a joke.

“I wish him the best, I really do. I don’t have anything against Will Smith. He’s done great things. But that was not a good moment,” Carrey affirmed, separating the man from the action. He then focused on the wider implications of Smith’s behavior, particularly how it overshadowed the achievements of countless others present at the prestigious ceremony. The Oscars are a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and artistic passion for many nominees and winners, and Carrey felt their moment was stolen.

He continued with a poignant reflection: “It cast a pall over everybody’s shining moment. A lot of people worked really hard to get to that place. And to have their moment in the sun, to get their award for the really hard work they did, it is no mean feat to go through all the stuff you have to go through when you are nominated for an Oscar. It’s a gauntlet of devotion you have to do. It was such a selfish moment that cast a pall over the whole thing.” Carrey’s words highlighted the collective effort behind such an event and the individual sacrifices made by artists striving for recognition, underscoring how one act of impulsive violence could diminish the significance of an entire night dedicated to celebrating cinematic excellence. He emphasized that being nominated for an Oscar is a grueling journey, a “gauntlet of devotion,” and that such a significant achievement deserved to be celebrated without being overshadowed by controversy.

Initially, Will Smith’s acceptance speech for Best Actor did not include a direct apology to Chris Rock, although he did apologize to the Academy and his fellow nominees. This omission was widely criticized, further fueling the public debate. However, the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star later addressed the incident in a comprehensive apology posted to his Instagram account on March 28, the day after the ceremony. His statement acknowledged the severity of his actions and offered remorse.

“My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable,” Smith wrote. He attempted to provide context for his emotional outburst without excusing it, explaining, “Jokes at my expense are a part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally.” Crucially, he then directly apologized to Rock: “I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.” This public apology, while appreciated by some, was met with skepticism by others who felt it came too late or did not fully address the damage done.

The incident quickly prompted a formal response from the governing body of the Academy Awards. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences initiated a “formal review” of the situation, acknowledging the widespread outrage and concern. This review aimed to determine the appropriate consequences for Smith’s actions, which violated the Academy’s standards of conduct. The potential ramifications ranged from a formal censure to a suspension of membership, or even, as some fans and commentators speculated, the stripping of his Best Actor Oscar. The Academy’s handling of the situation was closely watched, as it would set a precedent for how such high-profile acts of misconduct are addressed within the industry, emphasizing the importance of upholding professional standards even amidst the pressures of live television and personal emotion. The incident served as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with immense public visibility and the lasting impact of actions, both on individuals and on the institutions that honor them.