Mila Kunis has opened up about what she really thinks of Will Smith’s infamous Oscars slap, over 8 months on from the incident.
The night of March 27 this year will be forever immortalized by that iconic slapping scene. So much so that it is easy to forget that the night was actually for the Academy Awards, and that it marked the first time for many big Hollywood names being honored with on Oscar.
This actually included Will Smith, who walked up to collect his award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in King Richard, just minutes after he rocked onto the stage uninvited to give Chris Rock a piece of his mind.
Surprisingly, the star managed to receive a standing ovation for his achievement as he took to the stage, despite shocking the whole room with violence less than an hour prior.
Mila Kunis, who was in attendance that night with her husband and fellow actor Ashton Kutcher, has hit out at this fact in a recent interview with C magazine.
In the interview, which was first published back in October, she had a lot to say about that fateful night.
“The idea of leading by example only makes sense when you actually have someone to lead. We have our tiny little tribe here at home, and never once do I want to tell them to do something if I’m not willing to do it myself,” Kunis shared.
The thirty-nine-year-old actress shares 2 kids with Kutcher in her “little tribe” — 8-year-old Wyatt and 5-year-old Dmitri.
“Not standing up to me was a no-brainer,” she continued. “But what was shocking to me was how many people did stand up. I thought, wow, what a time we’re living in that rather than do what’s right, people focus on doing what looks good. It’s insane to me.”
Aside from getting Kunis’ disapproval, the fallout for Smith has been wide-reaching.
The President of the Academy, David Rubin, and its CEO, Dawn Hudson, revealed: “The Board has decided, for a period of 10 years from April 8, 2022, Mr. Smith shall not be permitted to attend any Academy events or programs, in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards.”
Smith had been a member of the Academy since 2001, but pre-emptively resigned his membership days before the official Academy decision came.
In a statement, Smith called his actions “shocking, painful, and inexcusable.”
“The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all those in attendance, and global audiences at home. I betrayed the trust of the Academy.
“I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken.
“I want to put the focus back on those who deserve attention for their achievements and allow the Academy to get back to the incredible work it does to support creativity and artistry in film.”
He concluded by saying: “Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason.”
Smith then went on to release an apology video months later on YouTube, in which he gave Rock a direct apology.
