Will Smith addresses Chris Rock Oscars slap in new album

2022 was anything but ordinary. From Johnny Depp’s courtroom victory over Amber Heard to the viral Negroni sbagliato trend, Hollywood had no shortage of headline-making moments. Yet, one of the most shocking incidents of the year was when Will Smith slapped Chris Rock on stage at the Academy Awards — a moment that overshadowed the entire ceremony and left the entertainment industry reeling.

Now, Smith is turning to music to share his perspective. The actor has released his first album in nearly two decades; titled Based on a True Story, the album offers listeners a raw and introspective look at his journey, including the fallout from that infamous night.

Will Smith's new album is about the Oscars slap

During the 94th Academy Awards in 2022, Will Smith walked onstage and struck Rock during his presentation for Best Documentary Feature. The slap was in response to an off-the-cuff joke Rock made about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, referencing G.I. Jane (1997), in which Demi Moore’s character had a similar look. Jada had openly discussed her struggles with alopecia, making the joke particularly sensitive. After the slap, Smith returned to his seat and shouted profanities at Rock, who briefly addressed the moment before continuing with his presentation.