What Is Alopecia Areata? Why Did Will Smith Slap Chris Rock On Oscar Stage?

While the annual Oscar or the Academy Awards is a time when all eyes are glued to what is happening on the red carpet this year's event grabbed the headlines for a different reason. When Chris Rock made an unsavoury comment towards Jada Pinkett Smith, Will walked the stage and slapped him. He walked down from the stage and said, “Keep my wife’s name out of your mouth.” Jada has previously spoken about suffering from a hair loss condition termed Alopecia Areata.

Here is a look at what is Alopecia Areata and why did Will Smith get so offended.

Chris Rock was on stage during the 94th Academy Awards to announce the prize for the best documentary. While on the stage he said, “Javier Bardem and his wife are both nominated. Now, if she loses, he can’t win,” Rock started his piece, adding, “He is praying that Will Smith wins, like, please, lord. Jada, I love you. ‘G.I. Jane 2,’ can’t wait to see it, all right?”

Will Smith's wife actor Jada Pinkett Smith first opened up about her hair loss in the condition in 2018, saying “It was one of those times in my life where I was literally shaking in fear. That’s why I cut my hair, and why I continue to cut it.”

What is Alopecia Areata?

Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune condition, it impacts the hair follicles causing hair fall and bald spots. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), it is a "disease that develops when the body attacks its own hair follicles (where hair grows from), which can cause hair loss anywhere on the body."

People with the disease are otherwise healthy, apart from hair loss people may have nail changes. In some cases, the hair may regrow and fall again. Researchers do not fully understand the reason behind the condition however the consensus is that it can be both genetic and environmental.

Incidentally, the award show won Will Smith his first Oscar for his performance in King Richard. In his acceptance speech, the actor apologised to the Academy and spoke about the importance of family in his life. He said, “I wanna apologize to the Academy… to all my fellow nominees. … Art imitates life, I look like the crazy father! … Love will make you do crazy things.”

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