Jaden Smith has faced criticism for his response to the moment at the 2022 Oscars where his father Will Smith slapped Chris Rock on stage after he made a joke about his wife — and Jaden’s mother — Jada Pinkett Smith.
Jaden, 23, who starred with his father in The Pursuit of Happyness and After Earth, tweeted “And That’s How We Do It” after the ceremony ended, which many took to be an endorsement of his father’s violent actions.
Many of his followers responded to the post by retweeting Jaden’s 5 March tweet in which he said he was “Praying For Peace In The World”.
Read more: LAPD not investigating altercation at Oscars
In a statement released after the 2022 Oscars, the Academy condemned Smith’s actions saying: “The Academy does not condone violence of any form. Tonight we are delighted to celebrate our 94th Academy Awards winners, who deserve this moment of recognition from their peers and movie lovers around the world.”
Watch: Will Smith hits Chris Rock at the Oscars
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Smith’s first Oscar win for King Richard was shrouded in controversy with the actor tearfully apologising on stage during his speech to the Academy, but not Rock.
Philadelphia-born Smith, 53, appeared to take offence to a gag Rock made on stage about his wife’s haircut, resulting in him marching on stage to confront the comedian.
Referring to Pinkett Smith’s buzzcut, Rock said: “Jada, can’t wait for G.I. Jane 2,” prompting the actress to roll her eyes.
Will Smith appears to hit Chris Rock on Oscars stage (PA)
Will Smith appears to slap Chris Rock on Oscars stage. (PA)
However, Smith walked up on stage and appeared to hit Rock before returning to his seat and shouting twice: “Keep my wife’s name out of your f****** mouth.”
The altercation left Rock shocked and flustered as he tried to resume presenting the best documentary feature category.
Read more: Rock’s joke about Jada in 2016 resurfaces
After being announced as the winner of Best Actor for his portrayal of Richard Williams — father of tennis champs Venus and Serena — an emotional Smith took to the stage, breaking down in tears, he said: “Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his family.
