Will Smith’s presence at the 2025 Grammy Awards was met with hostility from viewers on social media, who felt he shouldn’t be there.
The star shocked the world in 2022 when he walked onto the stage at that year’s Oscars, slapping host Chris Rock for making a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett-Smith. After the slap, Smith returned to his seat and repeatedly yelled at Rock: “Keep my wife’s name out your fucking mouth!”
In the aftermath, Smith resigned from the Academy on April 1, 2022, saying in a statement: “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”. The Academy banned him from attending the ceremony for 10 years. He also posted an apology video.
At last night’s (February 2) Grammys, Smith took to an awards show stage for the first time since that incident, presenting a tribute to the late producer Quincy Jones. “You probably wouldn’t know who Will Smith was if it wasn’t for Quincy Jones,” he explained during the speech.
While the appearance passed without controversy, several people on X (formerly Twitter) have questioned whether if was appropriate for him to be there. “Why the hell is Will Smith on TV screen at the Grammys announcing anything???” wrote one. “He doesn’t deserve to be in the spotlight after his assault on Chris Rock”.
Why the hell is Will Smith on TV screen at the Grammys announcing anything??? He doesn't deserve to be in the spotlight after his assault on Chris Rock.
— Joe Peluso Media (@JoePelusoMedia) February 3, 2025
Another wrote: “#WillSmith on #GRAMMYs stage? Violence is violence, a national epidemic, not to be endorsed by #Grammys”. There were some light-hearted comments, with one imagining what host Trevor Noah would be thinking, while another asked the ceremony “stop trying to make Will Smith happen”.
#WillSmith on #GRAMMYs stage? Violence is violence, a national epidemic, not to be endorsed by #Grammys pic.twitter.com/vg5kvf1uEZ
— Embrace Your Music (@mainesongwriter) February 3, 2025
When you see Will Smith at an awards show pic.twitter.com/M1PyPSdCaP
— CJ Fogler 🫡 (@cjzero) February 3, 2025
Hey #Grammys stop trying to make Will Smith happen pic.twitter.com/8wjj1Thkhg
— Jeff Dwoskin Has A Podcast (@bigmacher) February 3, 2025
He wasn’t the only member of the Smith family drawing reactions online, as Smith’s son Jaden received a mixed response for his unusual Grammys outfit. Will Smith has recently released new music, referencing his connection to The Matrix in new song ‘Beautiful Scars’.