Will Smith’s Grammy Presence Diminishes on Social Media: ‘He Doesn’t Deserve the Spotlight’

Controversy Surrounding Will Smith at the 2025 Grammy Awards

Will Smith faced backlash on social media during the 2025 Grammy Prize, as many audience members felt he should not have been present at the event.

• READ MORE: Grammy 2025 – Kendrick Lamar and Beyoncé won large

The Oscar Incident and Its Aftermath

The actor shocked the world in 2022 when he confronted Chris Rock on stage at the Oscars, leading to a public altercation regarding Rock’s comments about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Following the slap, Smith returned to his seat and shouted at Rock: “Keep my wife’s name in your fucking mouth!”

As a result of the incident, Smith resigned from the Academy on April 1, 2022, stating: “I betrayed the Academy. I deprived other candidates and winners of their opportunity to celebrate their extraordinary work. I am filled with grief.” The Academy subsequently banned him from attending the ceremony for 10 years. He later posted an apology video.

Smith’s Return to the Grammy Stage

On February 2, 2025, Smith made his first appearance at the Grammys since the incident, presenting a tribute to the late producer Quincy Jones. During his speech, he remarked, “You probably wouldn’t know who Will Smith is if it weren’t for Quincy Jones.”

While his appearance went off without incident, many on X (formerly Twitter) questioned his presence. One user criticized, “What the hell is Will Smith on the TV screen at the Grammys, announcing something??? He does not deserve to be in the spotlight after the attack on Chris Rock.”

What the hell is Will Smith on the TV screen on Grammy, announcing something ??? He does not deserve to be in the spotlight after the attack on Chris Rock.

– Joe Peluso media (@joepelusomedia) February 3, 2025

Other users reacted similarly, with one stating: “#WillSmith on #Grammys stage? Violence is violence, a national epidemic that should not be supported at the #Grammys.” Other comments were lighthearted in nature, with one user speculating about Noah Trevor’s thoughts on the situation and another calling for the ceremony to “stop trying to make Will Smith happen.”

#WillSmith on #Grammys stage? Violence is violence, a national epidemic not subject to approval #Grammys pic.twitter.com/vg5kvf1uez

– Hug your music (@mainesongwriter) February 3, 2025

When you see Will Smith for an award show pic.twitter.com/m1pypsdcap

– CJ Fogler 🫡 (@cjzero) February 3, 2025

Hello #Grammys Stop trying to make Will Smith happen pic.twitter.com/8wjj1thkhgh

– Jeff Duskin has a podcast (@bigmacher) February 3, 2025

Smith was not the only member of the family to face scrutiny online; his son Jaden also received mixed reactions for his unconventional Grammy outfit. Recently, Will Smith released new music, referencing his connection to the Matrix in the new song “Beautiful Scars.”