The infamous moment when Will Smith slapped Chris Rock on stage at the 2022 Oscars left everyone stunned, including Jada Pinkett Smith.

In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Jada shared her thoughts and feelings during the incident, revealing that she initially believed it was all part of a skit.

“I was like, ‘There’s no way that Will hit him.’

It wasn’t until Will started to walk back to his chair that I even realized it wasn’t a skit,” Jada recalled, offering a glimpse into her emotional rollercoaster during the unexpected altercation.

This description aligns with her on-air reaction, as viewers noted the complexity of emotions on her face that night.

While Jada seemed visibly upset when Chris Rock made a joke about her baldness, her expression also suggested dissatisfaction with Will for resorting to violence on live television.

To provide context, Jada had attended the 94th Academy Awards ceremony with a bald head, revealing her struggle with Alopecia.

It was during the ceremony that Chris Rock unknowingly made a joke about her appearance, likening her to the iconic 1990s action hero, G.I. Jane.

In response, Will Smith stepped onto the stage and slapped Rock before shouting, “Keep my wife’s name out of your mouth.”

Following the incident, the awards show continued, but Will Smith faced severe consequences.

He was banned from the Oscars for ten years as a penalty.

The aftermath of the slap was marked by confusion and speculation, as viewers and attendees grappled with the unexpected turn of events.

Jada’s immediate concern was Will’s well-being, as she revealed in the interview, saying, “Are you OK?” She also expressed her intention to support him while allowing him to navigate the situation independently.

In the aftermath of the incident, Will Smith publicly apologized to Chris Rock and the audience, acknowledging the complexity of his emotional state that night.

He explained that he was going through a difficult period.

In a subsequent interview with Today, Jada offered further insights into their relationship.

Jada disclosed that she and Will had been separated since 2016, a fact they had kept private until now.

She explained that they had avoided publicizing their breakup but had been living separately for several years.

Jada also addressed the rumors that have surrounded their relationship over the years and shared an intriguing anecdote.

According to Jada, there have been recurring rumors about her and Will’s impending divorce.

During one summer when these reports resurfaced, Chris Rock, who had heard about their alleged divorce, contacted Jada and expressed interest in taking her out on a date.

However, Jada clarified that the divorce rumors were unfounded, and Chris quickly apologized for his misconception.

The revelation about their separation and the backstory of Chris Rock’s outreach adds new dimensions to the ongoing discussion surrounding the Oscars incident and the Smiths’ relationship.

As the public digests these revelations, the Smiths continue to navigate the complexities of their personal lives, with Jada’s candor shedding light on the challenges they’ve faced over the years.