Jada Pinkett Smith made her first public appearance at the grand opening of the Shonda Rhimes Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles this weekend since her husband Will Smith infamously walked onstage during the 94th-Annual Academy Awards and slapped Chris Rock while the comedian was presenting the next award.
The 50-year-old was spotted looking breathtakingly beautiful at the red carpet event in a long sparkling strapless gold gown. She was also spotted sporting a fresh buzz cut as she stood alongside friends Rhimes and legendary choreographer and actress Debbie Allen to celebrate the grand opening of the facilities, which will also serve as the home for the new Debbie Allen Dance Academy.
The “Set it Out” actress shared several comment-restricted posts on her Instagram account on Sunday, April 10, including one where she recalled a quote Allen once told her in the caption, writing, “Wrap it all in gold and come let the kids fill your soul.”
Many online users drew similarities in the actress’ look to the prestigious Oscar trophy given at the ceremony that has kept her name in headlines for over two weeks now, including one person who seemingly also took a jab at the star’s alleged religious beliefs by writing, “The Symbolism Honey…. Scientology At It’s Best. Smh.” “A life size Oscar,” another person commented. A third fan also noted, “She looks like Will’s Oscar statue.”
It was clear critics were still taking sides in the slap heard around the world, many of whom have seemingly blamed the “Girls Trip” star for getting her Academy Award-winning husband banned from any awards-related events for the next 10 years.
Some may have concluded this after Smith walked back to his seat following the jarring moment and began to yell expletives at the “Good Hair” star after he poked fun at Pinkett Smith’s shaved head; the actress is currently battling alopecia, which results in hair loss.
Many of Smith’s supporters felt that the actor was defending his family. Comments in the realm of “She got some nerve dressing up as an Oscar after she got Will banned for a decade” echoed throughout internet threads.
As previously reported, following the Friday, April 8 meeting among the Academy board, Smith received a decade-long ban. The “King Richard” star, whose role in the historical drama earned him his first Oscar win, had previously resigned from the organization.
A spokesperson released a brief statement on behalf of the star, which read, “I accept and respect the Academy’s decision.”
