Wanda Sykes recently revealed that Will Smith apologized to her for slapping Chris Rock during the 2022 Academy Awards.
Speaking with Variety , Sykes recounted the infamous incident that was seen around the world. Selome Hailu noted how participating in the Oscaras is “usually a career highlight” for stand-up comedians.
“I forgot about that,” Sykes said.
Sykes cohosted the Oscars that year with Amy Schumer and Regina Hall.
“I mean, I loved working with Regina [Hall] and Amy [Schumer]. But like you said, it got overshadowed,” Sykes responded. “People talk to me about that night without even mentioning, ‘Oh yeah, you hosted, right?’ Like I was in the audience or at home, watching TV. But I was there.”
Sykes then revealed that Smith attempted to reach out to her to offer an apology for his actions but the two never spoke.
“He called. I had COVID or a bad cold,” Skyes said. “I just texted to say, ‘Hey, I got your message. Thank you. I can’t talk.’ But he did call.”
Sykes went on to reveal that Rock apoligized to her at the Oscar’s afterparty.
“I was like, ‘Why are you apologizing?’ ” Sykes said. “He was like, ‘It was supposed to be your night. You and Amy and Regina were doing such a great job. I’m so sorry this is now gonna be about this,’ ” she said at the time. “Because that’s who Chris is.”
Eventually, Smith was banned for 10 years by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for striking Rock.
“Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive,” Smith wrote Instagram at the time. “My behavior at [the] Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are a part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally.”
“I deeply regret that my behavior has stained what has been an otherwise gorgeous journey for all of us,” he said. “I am a work in progress.”