Will Smith’s Mom Speaks Out On Chris Rock Slap

Will Smith’s mother has said she was “surprised” when she saw her son slap Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars.

During Sunday night’s (March 27) awards ceremony, Smith walked onstage to hit Rock in the face after the comedian made a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith's alopecia condition.

Smith’s mother, Caroline Bright, has since addressed his behavior in an interview yesterday (28 March) with ABC News affiliate Action News. “He is a very even, people person,” she told the Philadelphia news station, adding that she was “surprised” by his actions.

“That’s the first time I’ve ever seen him go off. The first time in his lifetime,” she said. “I’ve never seen him do that.” Bright said that she spoke to Smith the day after the Oscars and advised him to get some rest. She added that she was “proud” of Smith following his Best Actor win on the night.

Bright said that Smith deserved to win the award stating, “I know how he works, how hard he works. And he never half-steps. I’ve been waiting and waiting and waiting. When I heard the name, I was just, ‘Yes!’” She added that she believed Smith should have been awarded prizes for all of his films.

The actor’s younger sister Ellen Smith, who was also interviewed by the news station said she "totally understands" her brother's reasonings. “I’ve had conversations with him, and it really kind of broke my heart listening to the things he’s said he had to go through to get to where he is,” Ellen said.

Watch the interview below: