Will Smith’s Disastrous Return to the Spotlight at the 2025 Grammy Awards

Will Smith has made his return to the awards circuit, but the moment was slightly awkward. At the 2025 Grammys, he chose not to discuss his infamous incident at the Oscars, where he slapped Chris Rock. Smith had appeared at the 2024 BET Awards for a musical performance, making the Grammys his first speaking engagement since the controversy. He delivered a tribute to the late Quincy Jones, who passed away at age 91 in 2024.

In his tribute, Smith praised Jones for his influence early in his career and shared a personal lesson from the producer: “It is your job to take care of these people,” referring to those he collaborates with. Smith’s silence on the Oscars incident might stem from having addressed it multiple times before, including a written apology and video acknowledging his actions. He has expressed remorse not just to Rock but also to his family. During the BET Awards, he performed a song reflecting his desire for redemption, which garnered mixed reactions online, with many feeling conflicted about his actions.

Ultimately, the internet had divided opinions on Smith’s re-entry into the spotlight, with many voicing skepticism.

Social media reactions showed that many users were not pleased with Smith’s presence at the Grammys. One user expressed their discontent, saying, “Turned off when Will Smith showed up.” Another questioned his invitation, while some made light of the situation with jokes about the individuals he has confronted in the past.

Conversely, there were others who celebrated his participation, including Stephen A. Smith, a friend of Chris Rock. On his YouTube show, he shared his initial surprise at Smith’s reappearance and acknowledged his personal disappointment, though he also highlighted that some celebrities defended Smith, suggesting he deserved a second chance. Smith himself commented that everyone deserves to move beyond their worst moments, and both he and Rock appear to be looking to put the incident behind them. The public remains divided on Smith’s path to redemption, and it seems the slap will continue to overshadow his reputation, making his return to award shows a contentious topic.