Trevor Noah and Questlove joke about Will Smith's Oscars slap at Grammys 2022

"Don't even think of it as an award show," South African comedian Noah said, referencing Smith's words, during his monologue.

"This is a concert where we're giving out awards. We're going to listening to some music, we're going to be dancing, we're going to be singing, we're going to be keeping people's names out of our mouths."

After Smith stormed the Oscars stage to slap Rock, he returned to his seat and shouted, “Keep my wife’s name out your [expletive] mouth.”

The incident was also referenced by musician Questlove, born Ahmir Khalib Thompson.

"I’m here to present this award and I trust that you people will stay 500 feet away from me," Questlove said. He added: "Just playing!"

He then presented the Song of the Year award to Silk Sonic's Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars for Leave The Door Open.

Will Smith resigns from Academy after backlash

“I will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate,” he wrote in his resignation.

“My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable.”

“I betrayed the trust of the Academy,” Smith wrote. “I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken.”

Winners at the Grammys 2022 — in pictures:

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.

8. Pillar 2 implementation

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

Trevor Noah and Questlove joke about Will Smith's Oscars slap at Grammys 2022

It's been one week since the 'King Richard' Best Actor winner slapped Chris Rock at the 2022 Academy Awards

Will Smith resigns from Academy after backlash

Winners at the Grammys 2022 — in pictures:

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026