On Sunday, Nicole Kidman’s photograph capturing her apparent “reaction” to Will Smith slapping Chris Rock gained immense popularity across various social media platforms.
However, it has now been revealed that the photo was actually taken well before the televised airing of the 2022 Oscars.
Seated elegantly in her stunning Armani Privé gown, the 54-year-old nominee for Best Actress was captured in a state of astonishment, with her jaw dropped and eyes wide open, as if she were preparing to stand up from her seat.
While many fans assumed that Kidman’s reaction was in response to the slap, the picture was actually taken around 4:30 p.m. PT, when guests were still settling in—three hours prior to the occurrence of the slap.
The Oscars ceremony had already presented eight awards in various categories such as film editing, sound, makeup, and hairstyling, all of which took place before the televised segment of the event.
Regrettably, due to the photo being taken out of its original context, Kidman’s surprised expression—most likely directed towards one of the award winners—swiftly transformed into a widely shared meme that circulated worldwide.
In a series of unfortunate misinterpretations, multiple sources erroneously asserted that Kidman’s reaction was in response to an incident involving Will Smith, 53, striking Chris Rock, 57, on stage. This occurrence transpired after the comedian playfully poked fun at Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head. As a result, the photograph depicting Nicole Kidman’s supposed response swiftly gained widespread attention, spreading like wildfire across the internet.
Underneath the image, a fan enthusiastically proclaimed, “Nicole Kidman reacts to the #Oscars altercation involving Chris Rock and Will Smith. A NEW MEME HAS BEEN BORN.”
One user expressed, “Nicole Kidman and her husband, Keith Urban, enjoyed a prime front-row view as they witnessed the intense moment of Will Smith delivering a forceful slap to Chris Rock’s face. #Oscars #Oscars2022.”
Adding to the buzz, another individual remarked, “Nicole Kidman truly deserves an Oscar for her incredible reaction to the Will Smith Slap.”
In a lighthearted tone, someone humorously commented, “Will Smith’s slap was so powerful that it even fractured Nicole Kidman’s Botox.”
Not only Kidman but Lupita Nyong’o, seated behind Smith during his passionate plea for Rock to refrain from mentioning his wife, became a swift subject of memes.
A fan shared a video clip alongside a tweet, stating, “Lupita Nyong’o is slowly realizing that this is no mere act, and Will is genuinely furious. #Oscars2022.”
Witnessing the unfolding drama between Will Smith and Chris Rock, Lupita Nyong’o experienced a whirlwind of emotions that traversed the entire spectrum. A spectator keenly observed, “In just a matter of seconds, she displayed a remarkable array of about eight distinct emotions.”
The shocking moment occurred when Smith took the stage and unexpectedly struck Rock in the face. The audience collectively gasped as the comedian had previously made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith, 50, starring in a hypothetical film titled “G.I. Jane 2,” while playfully mocking her alopecia.
In his emotionally charged acceptance speech for Best Actor, the renowned actor, known for his role in “King Richard,” tearfully apologized to the Academy and his fellow nominees for his behavior. It is reported that Smith and Rock, however, managed to resolve their differences and bury the hatchet following the conclusion of the awards ceremony.
At the Vanity Fair afterparty, Sean “Diddy” Combs confirmed to Page Six that Rock and Smith had indeed reconciled their issues. Diddy, 52, emphasized, “There’s no lingering problem. That’s all settled for now. I can vouch for it,” while referring to the two individuals as “brothers.”