Chris Rock's Joke That Led To Will Smith Slap Reportedly NOT Part Of Rehearsals

screenrant.com:

According to sources familiar with the Oscars ceremony, Chris Rock's joke that led to the now-infamous Will Smith slap wasn't included in rehearsals. As per usual, the annual Academy Awards broadcast gave audiences plenty to talk about, but not every memorable moment was a good one. On the positive side, the best picture win for CODA made Apple TV+ the first streamer to achieve that award, while even more history was made through acting wins from Ariana DeBose (West Side Story) and Troy Kotsur (CODA).

And yet, everything has been largely overshadowed by Smith's surprise outburst. Right before presenting the award for best documentary, Rock lobbed a few jokes at the crowd, including one about Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved head. Rock quipped about her starring in the sequel to G.I. Jane, ignoring the fact that Pinkett Smith shaved her head due to a medical condition. In response, Smith stormed the stage and slapped Rock, much to the shock of everyone in attendance and watching at home. Smith's later win for best actor further complicated matters. Since then, responses from those across Hollywood have been decidedly mixed; some have defended Smith's actions, while others are calling for him to be stripped of his Oscar.

Related: Will Smith Slaps Chris Rock At Oscars: Biggest Questions & What Next?

As part of a report regarding the incident, Rolling Stone spoke with various sources who were familiar with the behind the scenes matters for the Oscars ceremony. Said sources confirmed that Rock's G.I. Jane joke wasn't included in rehearsals in the days before the broadcast, further confirming this was not a scripted stunt. Though it's now pretty certain that the slap wasn't a bit, there was a lot of confusion in the initial moments