The backstory behindNicole Kidman’s viralOscarsphoto has been revealed.
The image shows Kidman, 54, with her mouth open in surprise and her eyebrows raised, with one arm extended. Many Twitter userssuspectedthe shot was snapped afterWill SmithslappedChris Rockonstage, butVulturereports that there’s more to the meme.
Myung Chun / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Although Kidman’s shocked expression was immediately linked to the slap, the photographer who shot it confirmed that it was unrelated to the altercation.
In an interview withVulture,Los AngelesTimesphotographer Myung Chun said the picture of Kidman “was taken during the non-televised portion.”
“It appeared that she was excited to seeJessica Chastainacross the room. Kidman then reached out her arms and waved to her with both hands,” Chun said, adding, “Shortly thereafter, Chastain walked over to greet Kidman and her husbandKeith Urban.”
Both Chastain and Kidman were nominated for Best Actress atthe Oscars. Kidman was nominated forBeing the Ricardos, while Chastain was nominated forThe Eyes of Tammy Faye. Chastain, 45,went on to win Best Actress, her first Oscar, later in the evening.
Chris Rock; Will Smith.Getty (2)
Will struck Rock while he was presenting the Best Documentary award and joked about Jada’s hair looking likeDemi Moore’s shaved head inG.I. Jane.
After Rock quipped, “Jada, I love ya.G.I. Jane 2, can’t wait to see ya,” Will left his seat and joined Rock onstage, where he slapped him across the face.
“Oh wow.Will Smithjust smacked the s— out of me,” Rock said after the incident. Will yelled from his seat, “Keep my wife’s name out your f—ing mouth!”
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Rock replied, “Wow, dude, it was aG.I. Janejoke,” before continuing to present the award.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences issued a statementcondemning Will’s actionsMonday afternoon, and theKing Richardactor shared apublic apologyto Rock and others on Instagram Monday evening.
“Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable,” he wrote, adding, “I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris.
“I was out of line and I was wrong,” Will continued. “I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be.”
Rock has not yet publicly commented on the incident, and has so fardeclined to press charges.
source: people.com
