That Nicole Kidman Viral Oscars Gasp Was Not About Will Smith Slapping Chris Rock

Nicole Kidman is no stranger in memes. However, the context of her most recent viral moment must be corrected.

The 2022 Academy Awards presented many memorable moments to the internet on March 22. It’s probably even more meme-worthy that the AMC commercial.

But what is the reason for this Lucile Ball-esque response. Many believed it had something to do with the night’s biggest controversy: Just minutes before Will Smith was awarded the Oscar for best actor, the King Richard star slapped Chris Rock across the face for making a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head. He then told the comedian to “keep my wife’s name out of your fucking mouth.”

However, viewers can still watch the video. linked the image to the evening’s most shocking moment, it’s always good to double-check your facts. According to The Huffington Post, a Reuters photographer also took a photo of Kidman’s gasp and confirmed it happened before the ceremony had even started. By the time the altercation had occurred, Kidman was wearing her husband Keith Urban’s jacket draped around her shoulders.