Jim Carrey expressed his disapproval of the standing ovation Will Smith received after slapping Chris Rock during the 2022 Oscars, stating he felt “sickened” by Hollywood’s response and called it a clear sign that the industry is losing its prestige. Carrey emphasized that violence is unacceptable, regardless of how someone feels about a joke. He criticized the crowd for cheering Smith, asserting that the moment overshadowed the hard work of many artists present that night.

Smith apologized for his actions in a social media post, acknowledging that he was wrong and embarrassed. The incident sparked significant discussion about boundaries in Hollywood, with Carrey suggesting that society must avoid giving people license to react violently to words.

Despite Carrey’s critique, he faced backlash for past behavior, including a controversial kiss he gave to Alicia Silverstone at the 1997 MTV Movie Awards. Critics took to social media, pointing out the perceived hypocrisy of Carrey’s strong condemnation of Smith’s actions. Celebrities like Mila Kunis also voiced their surprise at the audience’s reaction to Smith’s acceptance speech, noting it reflected broader societal issues.

Ultimately, the incident raised important questions about conduct and accountability in the entertainment industry, as both Carrey and Smith displayed varying degrees of compassion for each other’s struggles.