Jada Pinkett ‘wishes’ Will Smith didn’t slap Chris Rock

Jada Pinkett, wife of Will Smith, the actor, is believed to have wished her husband did not slap Chris Rock, the comedian, at the 2022 Oscars.

Smith had slapped Rock in the face on stage for making a joke about Jada while presenting an award on March 27.

Rock had taken aim at Pinkett’s shaved head — which is due to the hair-loss condition alopecia.

According to US Weekly, a source close to the family said the actress “is not angry” with her husband but “wished the altercation did not happen”.

The source also said the couple are “in agreement” that Smith “overreacted” by slapping the comedian after his remark.

“It was in the heat of the moment and it was him overreacting. He knows that, she knows that. They’re in agreement that he overreacted,” the source said.

“She’s not one of these women that needs protecting. He didn’t need to do what he did, she didn’t need protecting. She’s not a wallflower.

“She’s a strong woman, an opinionated woman and she can fight her own battles. But she will stand by him.”

Smith had earlier apologised to Rock over his action.

The actor said violence in all of its forms is “poisonous and destructive,” adding that his conduct was “inexcusable.