Will Smith made headlines after slapping Chris Rock onstage at the Oscars 2022, but it’s not the first time he’s slapped someone in public. Will Smith slaps a reporter in the face in a resurfaced video from 2012 while promoting his film Men in Black 3 in Moscow, Russia. The reporter in question was Vitalii Sediuk, a notorious Ukrainian prankster known for his numerous celebrity encounters. After Smith smacked Rock live on stage during the 94th Oscars 2022, the video of Smith slapping Sediuk—whose altercations with celebrities have gotten him arrested—has resurfaced online. Jada Pinkett Smith walked on stage and took a shot at comedian Chris Rock after Rock made a joke about her hair.

What Happened When Will Smith Slapped a ‘Reporter’

Will Smith had a confrontation with Vitalii Sediuk in 2012. While on a world tour promoting his film Men in Black 3. Smith came face to face with Sediuk on the red carpet. Who welcomed him, but the contact grew more confrontational when Sediuk sought to kiss Smith. Will Smith pushed the reporter away and asked, “What the heck is your issue, buddy?” Smith smacked the reporter in the face with the back of his palm. The viral video of Smith and Sediuk’s interaction got over 20 million views on YouTube. Meanwhile, Smith’s Oscars 2022 disaster has racked up over 73 million views in just two days on the platform.

The reaction to Will Smith’s slapping on social media

Will Smith’s slapping of Rock at the 2022 Oscars has gone viral online, with millions of people discussing the incident. Some Twitter users, however, recalled the 2012 incident in which Smith slapped the prankster Sediuk. “Y’all remember Will Smith hit a reporter?” said journalist Chris “Speedy” Morman, who uploaded a video of the event with his followers. “Will Smith do be Slappin b like a pimp,” Twitter user @alonzoleronewas. Wondered if the incident at the Oscars with Smith was true, but he did recollect the reporter slap.

• Also read: Chris Rock Slow-mo Face Pad Video Goes Viral After Netizens Speculate That The Scene Was Staged