While people around the world were shocked when actor Will Smith slapped comedian, Chris Rock, during the 2022 Oscars, his anger is understandable for some audiences. Smith's wife and fellow actor, Jada Pinkett-Smith, attended the night's festivities after extensively opening up on social media and other public spaces about her experiences with alopecia and hair loss. Smith did not take kindly to Rock referring to his wife’s head as an advertisement for “G.I Jane 2," and it resulted in violence.
While debates about both Smith and Rock continue, people around the world are even more inspired by Pinkett Smith's positivity about her alopecia and resolve to honor herself, even in the midst of scrutiny.