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Rob Lowe explains why he was 'happy' Will Smith slapped Chris Rock Portrait of Amaris EncinasAmaris Encinas USA TODAY

PUBLISHED Sep 25, 2026, 7:27 PM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 30

Left 20%

Center 67%

Right 13%

Sources: 30

Actor Rob Lowe stated during an interview on SiriusXM's Andy Cohen Live that he experienced a sense of relief when Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the 94th Academy Awards in 2022. Lowe explained that he felt he was the only person pleased by the incident because he believed it displaced his own widely criticized opening musical number at the 61st Academy Awards in 1989 as the worst moment in Oscar history. During the 1989 telecast, Lowe performed alongside an actress dressed as Snow White, singing "Proud Mary," which drew intense public scrutiny. Lowe noted that despite the high-profile physical altercation between Smith and Rock, his 1989 routine continues to be referenced and mocked during subsequent awards season coverage. The 2022 incident occurred after Rock made a joke regarding Jada Pinkett Smith, prompting Smith to strike him on stage. Smith subsequently received a ten-year ban from Academy events.

By Yusra M. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On March 29 1989 Rob Lowe performs opening musical number at the 61st Academy Awards.
On March 27 2022 Will Smith slaps Chris Rock at the 94th Academy Awards.
On September 24 2026 Rob Lowe discusses his reaction to the Oscar slap on SiriusXM's Andy Cohen Live.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Renewed public discussion surrounding historic and recent Academy Awards broadcast controversies.
Possible long-term US impact: Continued cultural referencing of notable awards show incidents in mainstream media.
Most affected groups: Entertainment media consumers and awards show viewers.
Reader priority: Pop culture commentary and retrospective entertainment analysis.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 30
Right Leaning:: 4
Left Leaning:: 6
Neutral:: 20
Distribution:: Left 20%, Center 67%, Right 13%

Explain Framing

Left: leaning and progressive outlets frame the celebrity commentary through cultural introspection, analyzing public scrutiny, historical broadcast norms, and the lasting social impact of televised mishaps. Center: outlets focus strictly on mainstream entertainment reporting, direct quotes from the SiriusXM interview, historical facts regarding the 1989 and 2022 Academy Awards, and pop-culture commentary. Right: leaning and tabloid-oriented outlets emphasize the humorous, sensational, and controversial aspects of the celebrity remarks, focusing on personal anecdotes and red-carpet missteps.