The Oscars grabbed the entire world's attention this year, but for all the wrong reasons after Will Smith stormed the stage upon taking offence to a gag made about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
The actor walked on stage and appeared to slap host Chris Rock in what many audience members believed to be a staged bit.
However, after Smith returned to his seat, he was heard shouting to Rock, "Keep my wife's name out of your… mouth," which cemented to guests that the incident was, in fact, real as the Academy has very strong restrictions on the use of profanity as it is a live show that is broadcast to all age groups.
READ MORE: Watch moment Will Smith smacks Chris Rock at Oscars 2022 - and full joke about wife
Smith has since apologised to Chris Rock for the outburst saying his behaviour was "unacceptable and inexcusable".
In a statement on his Instagram, he said: "Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night's Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are a part of the job, but a joke about Jada's medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally.
"I would like to publicly apologise to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.
"I would also like to apologise to the Academy, the producers of the show, all the attendees and everyone watching around the world. I would like to apologise to the Williams Family and my King Richard Family. I deeply regret that my behavior has stained what has been an otherwise gorgeous journey for all of us.
"I am a work in progress.
"Sincerely,
"Will".
The apology came after the Oscars film academy condemned Smith's actions and said a formal review would be conducted on the incident.
It said: "The Academy condemns the actions of Mr. Smith at last night's show. We have officially started a formal review…and will explore further action and consequences in accordance with our Bylaws, Standards of Conduct and California law."
Questions have also been asked if Smith will be requested to hand back the first Oscar of his career he won on the night for playing the father of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams in King Richard.
The Academy's Board of Governors is reportedly set to meet on Wednesday to discuss whether or not any further action should be taken against Smith.
Comedian Chris Rock has declined to file a police report, and it was reported he has tried to laugh off the incident as he joked backstage: "That's the only time you get hit by Muhammad Ali, and it doesn't leave a scratch," referring to Smith's role in the boxer's biopic.
Rock's joke referred to the 1997 film GI Jane, in which Demi Moore played the title role with a severe buzzcut.
Pinkett Smith rolled her eyes at the comment, while Smith appeared to initially laugh and clap his hands before he was seen on stage.
The comedian looked stunned after the incident but told the audience: "That was the greatest night in the history of television."
He then handed over the best documentary prize, which was why he was on stage.
He is yet to publicly comment on what happened.
READ MORE: Will Smith insists 'violence is poisonous' as he issues public apology to Chris Rock
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter.
