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Nicole Kidman becomes face of Will Smith-Chris Rock SLAPGATE as animated reaction goes viral

Fans said Nicole Kidman's shocked face was very relatable and should have won the 'Oscar for Best Reaction'

While most of Hollywood was left stunned when Will Smith slapped Chris Rock on live TV at the Oscars on Monday, March 28, a photo of Nicole Kidman in the front row has gone viral as the 'universal reaction' to the unprecedented attack.  

This photo of a 'shocked' Nicole was actually taken earlier on during the awards show and not when Smith stormed onto the stage, but that hasn't stopped fans from turning it into a meme. Many said the star's reaction was very relatable and should have won the 'Oscar for Best Reaction'. 

One fan wrote: “Nicole Kidman should win the Oscar for Best Reaction To Will Smith Slapping Chris Rock.” Another added, “Nicole Kidman's reaction to Will Smith slapping Chris Rock is literally me reacting to everything that has ever happened.” 

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“Nicole Kidman and her husband having a front-row seat watching Will Smith slap the s**t out of Chris Rock,” another fan added. “Nicole Kidman reacting to the Chris Rock and Will Smith incident at the #Oscars. A NEW MEME IS BORN,” another person remarked. Following the shocking occurrence, the hashtag '#whatjusthappened' began trending on Twitter, with one user saying, “Nicole Kidman was all of us at that moment.” 

Chris Rock not to press charges 

Meanwhile, social media has also hailed Chris Rock's almost calm demeanor when he was slapped by Will Smith. The had just comedian joked about Smith's wife Jada Pinkett's hair loss comparing it to Demi Moore’s look in the 1997 film 'G.I. Jane' which seemingly provoked Smith who then stormed onto the stage. After slapping Rock, Smith returned to his seat and shouted, "Keep my wife's name out your fucking mouth!"

A user tweeted, “The restraint by Chris Rock is really impressive. You can see his instinct to swing back that he immediately stops. Could’ve gotten a lot worse. He ate it and carried on like a pro.”

Rock has reportedly decided not to press charges against Smith. The Los Angeles Police Department issued a statement about the incident: “LAPD investigative entities are aware of an incident between two individuals during the Academy Awards program. The incident involved one individual slapping another. The individual involved has declined to file a police report.”

“If the involved party desires a police report at a later date, LAPD will be available to complete an investigative report,” the LAP added.

Will Smith slammed

Will Smith is facing sharp criticism for not only slapping Rock but also not apologizing to him. Fans and celebrities flocked to Twitter to slam Smith for being unable to take a joke. One user wrote, “rewatching the Will Smith/Chris Rock thing and Lupita Nyong'o’s expressions are absolutely laying me out #Oscars.”

Comedian Kathy Griffin said Smith's act sets a bad precedent. “let me tell you something, it’s a very bad practice to walk up on stage and physically assault a Comedian. Now we all have to worry about who wants to be the next Will Smith in comedy clubs and theaters.”

“Will Smith won and got a standing ovation - I’m in awe the show went on as nothing happened.. will smith punched a comedian for doing his job. He’s a celebrity in the front row of the Oscars where it’s normal to be roasted, bad taste or not defending will = brainrot,” Podcaster Ethan Klein wrote. “Stand-up comics are very adept at handling hecklers. Violent physical assault... not so much. #UgliestOscarMoment_Ever” actor Mark Hamill remarked.