Topline
The Motion Picture Academy said that it does not condone “violence of any form” after actor Will Smith on Sunday slapped Chris Rock on stage during the 2022 Oscars, after the comedian made a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith.
Key Facts
In a statement, the Academy added it was “delighted” to celebrate Sunday’s winners “who deserve this moment of recognition.”
Among Sunday’s winners was Will Smith himself, who took home the Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of tennis coach Richard Williams in the movie “King Richard.”
During his acceptance speech, Smith apologized to the Academy and his fellow nominees for his actions, but did not mention Rock.
Following the event, the Los Angeles Police Department issued a statement noting that Rock had declined to file a police report about the incident.
However, the LAPD noted that if “the party (Rock)” decides to file a report at a later date, the department will be available to carry out an investigation.
Key Background
Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, who has alopecia—a disorder that causes hair loss and baldness—appeared at the ceremony with a shaved head. During his monologue while presenting an award, Rock joked that Pinkett Smith looked ready for a role in “G.I. Jane 2.” After this, Smith walked up to Rock on the stage and slapped him in the face. While the audio of the altercation was censored on the U.S. broadcast, it was shown on various international broadcasts. In the uncensored international telecast ,Rock was heard saying Smith “smacked the s**t” of of him,” adding that it was just a “G.I. Jane joke.” Smith then angrily retorted “keep my wife’s name out your f**king mouth.”
Further Reading
The 94th Academy Awards Were Already Bad, But Then They Got Worse (The Hollywood Reporter)
With One Slap, a Carefully Constructed Oscars Fell Spectacularly to Pieces (Variety)
