Will Smithâs confrontation with comedian Chris Rock overshadowed this yearâs Oscars ceremony and Serena Wiliams appeared to react to the incident on her Instagram. Rock, who was hosting the 94th Academy Awards, aimed a joke at Smithâs wife Jada and joked about her alopecia. âJada, canât wait for GI Jane 2,â he said.Smith initially appeared to laugh at the remark but soon proceeded to walk on stage and hit a stunned Rock in the face. âWill Smith just smacked the s**t out of me,â a gobsmacked Rock said. Smith can then be heard shouting: âKeep my wifeâs name out of your f***ing mouth.âClearly surprised at the events which had unfolded, Rock then looked around the room in disbelief and said: âThat was er⦠the greatest night in the history of television.âÂ
Video: Serena Williams seemingly reacts to Will Smithâs slap
Smith starred in the film King Richard, which tells the story of Serena and Venus Williamsâ father Richard and how he guided them to tennis stardom.
The film was nominated for multiple Oscars and both Williams sisters were in attendance at the ceremony.
After the incident involving Smith and Rock, Serena posted a series of stories on her Instagram, which were ostensibly in reference to the slapping controversy.Â
In the first clip, the 23-time Grand Slam champion is seen with her mouth wide open and eyes flicking from side to side, which seemingly suggests she was unsure how to react to the shocking event.
This idea is further implied in her next story, where Williams says: âI just sat down because I was like, I gotta put that drink down.â
In the final video, itâs difficult to exactly make out what Williams is saying, though it seems as though she is referring to the Smith and Rock incident.Â
âHey Natasha, nobody say nothing about Dr Rock. Thatâs when I go off. Take note,â she appears to stress.
Itâs also not entirely clear from these clips whether Williams is condemning Smith or Rock but the tennis star outwardly found the whole ordeal very awkward and her face is an absolute picture.
Smith wins Best Actor award
Shortly after he slapped Rock, Smith accepted the Best Actor award for his performance in King Richard.
He received a standing ovation from the crowd and said sorry for his actions earlier in the night.Â
âI want to apologise to the Academy. I want to apologise to all my fellow nominees,â he emphasised.
âArt imitates life. I look like the crazy father, just like they said about Richard Williams. But love will make you do crazy things.â
This was Smithâs first Oscar win, having been nominated in the same category for Ali in 2002 and The Pursuit of Happyness in 2007.