Grammys face flak as Will Smith to present at awards for the first time since 2022 Oscar slap

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Award-winning actor and rapper Will Smith is making yet another step in his Hollywood comeback, as he is set to present at the 67th Grammy Awards this weekend.

The announcement marks his first major presenting gig since the infamous 2022 Academy Awards incident, where he slapped comedian Chris Rock onstage.

However, while some fans welcome Smith’s return to the spotlight, others are criticizing the Grammys for giving him such a platform.

Engraged public reaction 

While many of Will Smith’s fans are thrilled to see him reclaim his place in Hollywood, the Grammy Awards’ decision to feature him has ignited some backlash.

One viewer expressed, "Are you kidding me? Does Hollywood have no shame?!"

Another viewer shared, "He will slapping papa bear."

One viewer pointed out, "I think it should be someone else who doesnt attack people on stage."

A follower observed, "And if he slaps someone across their face again ?? no thanks we don’t want him there."

One comment stated, "Why is he even invited? They should ban him for life."

Another comment read, "You allow an actor who did a violent act back? What a joke the Grammys are! I mean we know it’s corrupt on the winners but this is just ridiculous. He doesn’t deserve to be on!"

"Make sure the winners wont make him wanna slap them," explained an individual

The aftermath of the infamous Oscars slap

As confirmed by TMZ, Will Smith will take the stage at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, joining an impressive roster of presenters that includes Taylor Swift and Queen Latifah.

The decision to feature Smith has sparked mixed reactions online, with some netizens questioning whether he should be afforded this opportunity following his Oscars controversy.

Smith made headlines worldwide when he confronted Rock at the 94th Academy Awards after the comedian made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s alopecia.

The shocking moment overshadowed Smith’s own career-defining win for Best Actor in 'King Richard' during the ceremony and led to severe consequences.

The Academy banned him from Oscar-related events for a decade, and he faced relentless public backlash in the aftermath.

Despite the controversy, Smith has been gradually rebuilding his career.

His 2024 reunion with Martin Lawrence in 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die' was both a critical and commercial success, subtly addressing the slap in a lighthearted nod within the film.

His return to music was also well received, culminating in a standing ovation after his performance at the BET Awards, his first major awards show appearance since the Oscars incident.

With four Grammy wins to his name, Smith’s presence at this year’s event marks another step in his resurgence.

Will Smith's possible Hollywood redemption story

Will Smith’s Hollywood revival is in full swing. Following the success of 'Ride or Die,' he landed a lead role in 'Resistor', a sci-fi thriller based on Daniel Suarez’s novel 'Influx'.

He is also set to headline 'I Am Legend 2', alongside Michael B Jordan, with Francis Lawrence directing.

Additionally, Smith will reunite with 'Bad Boys' director Michael Bay for an upcoming Netflix action film.

One project that won’t be on Smith’s slate, however, is 'The Matrix 5'.

While recent social media posts hinted at a connection to the franchise, Smith later clarified that the buzz was part of the promotional campaign for his new single, 'Beautiful Scars', featuring Big Sean.

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