The Academy Awards have issued a statement after Will Smith smacked Chris Rock after a joke at the Oscars.
Comedian Chris had been hosting the show, when he made a joke about Will's wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s hair. Will walked up on stage and slapped him across the face.
Referring to Jada's buzzcut, Chris said: “Jada, can’t wait for GI Jane 2.” Following Chris' comment, Will walked up on stage and appeared to hit him before returning to his seat and shouting: “Keep my wife’s name out of your ******* mouth.”
READ MORE: ITV Good Morning Britain's Susanna Reid blasts Will Smith 'assault' on Chris Rock
Chris appeared shocked and flustered as he tried to resume presenting the best documentary feature category. He said: “That was the greatest night in the history of television.”
The Academy has since issued a statement. On their Twitter account, they wrote: "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."
However, Will Smith later went on to win the best actor award for film King Richard. Accepting his best actor Oscar Will apologised and said: “Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his family." He added: “I want to apologise to the Academy, I want to apologise to all my fellow nominees."
He went on to say that 'love makes you do crazy things.' After paying tribute to his mother and his family he added: “Thank you for this honour, thank you for this moment…I hope the Academy invites me back.”
Will's wife, Jada, has previously opened up about her struggle with hair loss and alopecia. In an episode of her Facebook chat show, Red Table Talk, she said "handfuls of hair" came loose in the shower.
Back in May 2018, Jada said: "I've been getting a lot of questions about why I've been wearing this turban. Well, I've been having issues with hair loss. And it was terrifying when it first started."
"I was just like 'Oh my god am I going bald?' It was one of those times in my life where I was literally shaking with fear. That's why I cut my hair and continue to cut it."
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