Jada Pinkett Smith Explained Why She "Learned A Lot" From Chris Rock Joking About Her Alopecia At The 2022 Oscars

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Of course, you remember the moment at the 2022 Oscars when Will Smith slapped Chris Rock.

Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars
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You also probably remember that the slap followed Chris making a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith's bald head, which is a result of her alopecia diagnosis.

Closeup of Jada Pinkett Smith

“Jada, I love ya. G.I. Jane 2, can't wait to see it," Chris said, referencing the 1997 Demi Moore film in which the actor shaves her head.

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Before the incident, Jada had been outspoken about her experience living with the autoimmune disease, which results in hair loss. In December of 2021, she showed one of her bare scalp patches on Instagram while sharing some words of wisdom.

Closeup of Jada Pinkett Smith
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In a new interview with the Guardian, Jada was asked what her takeaways were from having her alopecia be at the center of a very public and news-making incident.

Jada Pinkett Smith
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“I learned a lot about detachment,” she said. “And I learned a deeper beauty within myself, being able to let my hair go.”

Closeup of Jada Pinkett Smith
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Jada also explained why her alopecia diagnosis has, ultimately, been a "great teacher" for her.

Closeup of Jada Pinkett Smith
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"It’s been a hard one, a scary one — because specifically as Black women, we identify so much of ourselves with our hair," she said. "And it was scary."

Jada Pinkett Smith
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"I had to really dig deep and see the beauty of myself beyond my aesthetics.”

Closeup of Jada Pinkett Smith
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Read the entire interview here.