Oscars 2022: Academy condemns violence after Will Smith slap

Albertina Lloyd
·Contributor
·3-min read

Watch: Moment Will Smith slaps Chris Rock at the Oscars

The Academy has said it is does not condone violence following Will Smith's physical attack on Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars ceremony.

The King Richard star accepted the Best Actor award moments after he had walked on stage and slapped host Rock for making a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith's alopecia.

The Academy said in a statement: "The Academy does not condone violence of any form. Tonight we are delighted to celebrate our 94th Academy Awards winners, who deserve this moment of recognition from their peers and movie lovers around the world."

Rock, 57, who was on stage to present the award for Best Documentary Feature, made a comment about Pinkett Smith possibly starring in a sequel to G.I. Jane due to her bald head.

Read more: Will Smith apologises after slapping Rock at the Oscars

Pinkett Smith, 50, has spoken openly in recent years about losing her hair due to alopecia and seemed to roll her eyes in reaction to the gag.

Will Smith appears to hit Chris Rock on Oscars stage (PA)
Will Smith appears to hit Chris Rock on Oscars stage (PA)

Smith, 53, then approached Rock on stage and hit him in the face, shocking the comedian before returning to his seat.

Viewers in the UK and other countries then heard Smith yell at Rock several times to, "Keep my wife's name out of your f***ing mouth", while the US broadcaster cut the audio.

HOLLYWOOD, CA - March 27, 2022. Will Smith accepts the award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for
Will Smith accepted the Best Actor award following his attack on Oscars host Chris Rock. (Getty Images)

Their son Jaden Smith tweeted after the incident: "And That’s How We Do It."

The Los Angeles Police Department has said it is not currently investigating the incident.

They said in a statement: “LAPD investigative entities are aware of an incident between two individuals during the Academy Awards program. The incident involved one individual slapping another. The individual involved has declined to file a police report.

HOLLYWOOD, CA - March 27, 2022: Will Smith and Jada Pinkett watch the show at the 94th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 27, 2022. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Will Smith reacted to a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith. (Getty Images)

"If the involved party desires a police report at a later date, LAPD will be available to complete an investigative report.”

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star, went on to take to the stage after being named Best Actor for his performance as Richard Williams — the father of tennis champs Venus and Serena Williams — in King Richard.

Will Smith became very emotional in his speech. (Getty Images)
Will Smith became very emotional in his speech. (Getty Images)

Smith embraced the awards presenters Uma Thurman, Samuel L Jackson and John Travolta before making his emotional speech.

Read more: LAPD not investigating altercation at Oscars

The actor delivered his acceptance speech through floods of tears as he apologised for the incident, ending with the words "I hope the Academy invites me back".

Watch: Will Smith's tearful Oscars acceptance speech

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