Nearly three years since the Oscar slap controversy with comedian Chris Rock, Hollywood star Will Smith reappeared on one of Hollywood’s biggest award ceremonies. On Monday, he appeared at the 2025 Grammys, marking his first major appearance since the scandal. He even took the stage to help introduce a tribute to legendary producer Quincy Jones, a stalwart who helped shape his career by way of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Will Smith honors Quincy Jones
As he spoke, Smith remembered Jones: “This past year, we lost one of the most groundbreaking and influential figures of our times: Quincy Jones.”. Known to friends around the world simply as Q.
He further added, “In his 91 years, Q touched countless lives, but I have to say, he changed mine forever. You probably wouldn’t even know who Will Smith was if it wasn’t for Quincy Jones. Quincy made so many music greats, across multiple genres, sound even greater, bringing the best out in legend.”
Internet Reacts
The Smith appearance sparked an online heated debate. Some people were disappointed with his comeback into the limelight. One person wrote, “Disappointing! I cannot view him in the same way that I did growing up watching Fresh Prince. Those days are gone after his encounter with Chris Rock! I have no respect for Will Smith!” Another complained, “Couldn’t watch it. Unbelievable they had Will Smith as a presenter. I’m all for repentance and forgiveness.”. But you don’t slap a man on live television and then get a platform at another awards show. Disgraceful.
Another cynical viewer questioned, “Why is Will Smith allowed on that show? Wasn’t he blacklisted? #Grammys2025.”
However, several fans came out in his defense, welcoming his return. A fan wrote, “It literally makes no sense lol Will Smith gets crucified for slapping someone who disrespected his wife but we have people walking around naked and nobody bats an eye.” Another expressed relief as they wrote, “I’m so glad Hollywood stopped blacklisting Will Smith.” A fan further said, “I’m happy that we’re back to welcoming Will Smith on stage and not still pretending he did anything wrong.”
Check out the reactions here:
The #GRAMMYs trying to normalize Will Smith is FCKING PATHETIC.
Chris Rock should have been allowed to bitch slap this POS
— The Dood (@bobbycotton2024) February 3, 2025
I knew that the Quincy Jones tribute was going to be the highlight of the night, but I think that outdid even my expectations. Bonus that Will Smith seems to have found some joy in his eyes again… #GRAMMYs #Grammys2025
— Cory Noel (@radionoel) February 3, 2025
There are people who wanted Will Smith cancelled after slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars and now he is rocking the #GRAMMYs stage paying tribute to Quincy Jones. You can’t keep a good man down.#MusicWithDME pic.twitter.com/hipEFEoBpX
— DME 🇳🇦 (@dme_363) February 3, 2025
How did Will Smith get ungrounded from award shows?
— Someone Still Loves You Boris Diaw (@LawRespecter) February 3, 2025