The 95th Academy Awards takes place tonight, but the event risks being shadowed by last years ceremony when Will Smith stormed on stage to slap Chris Rock
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Will Smiths infamous Oscars slaprisks overshadowingthis years ceremonyas everyone will have it on their mind, claims a PR expert.
The Hollywood actor made global headlines and left viewers shocked at the 2022 Oscars when he stormed on stage andslapped Chris Rock across the face.
Will was given a 10-year ban from attending the Academy Awards following the controversial incident.
Now a leading celebrity publicity expert tells The Mirror that the jaw-dropping moment could geta special mention at the 95th Academy Awards.
The PR spills: I think there could possibly be a mention of the slap at this years ceremony.
It was such a jaw-dropping moment, and everyone will have it on their mind as it was only last year.
If it does get mentioned, itll make headlines and that will be the main reason as to why someone would mention it, Mayah Riaz told us.
The PR to the stars added: Will Smith and The slap will be the elephant in the room.
It is tradition that the reigning Best Actor winner is invited to present Best Actress. Obviously with Will Smith being banned, its not going to be him.
Its not announced who will be presenting Best Actress. But during this slot would be the perfect opportunity at which to mention it.
Mayah also said she doesnt expect Chris Rocks recentNetflixspecial to be talked about, adding: The slap alone was shocking enough to get mentioned.
She also said its clear that the organisers of the Academy Awards want to avoid any controversy this year, after it was announced a crisis team will be on hand to prevent another slap incident.
Mayah said: It is a total overkill that this crisis team has been put together. You will never have the same two controversies happen.
How they deal with each one will totally different from the last one. You cant stop a controversy from happening. Quite frankly we want controversy from The Oscars, otherwise its quite a long night!
She added: When something goes wrong, whats the crisis team going to do? Theyll sit in a huddle talking about what to do. Its live, its already gone wrong - in fact we hope it does go wrong.
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