Amid Will Smith’s slap on Chris Rock at the Oscars, The Academy reacts, says It “does not condone violence of any form”
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has published a statement regarding the Will Smith-Chris Rock slap at the 94th Academy Awards, which stunned the audience. During the 2022 Academy Awards, Smith smacked Rock on the back after the comedian made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith while presenting the documentary feature category.
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 joked about Jada Pinkett Smith starring in “G.I. Jane 2” due of her bald head when presenting the best documentary feature award. Rock was referring to Demi Moore’s appearance in the 1997 film “G.I. Jane,” in which she sports a shorn head. Pinkett Smith, on the other hand, been candid about her battle with alopecia, a condition that causes hair loss.
Pinkett Smith rolled her eyes at the comment, while Smith appeared to initially laugh and clap his hands before he was seen on stage, walking up to Rock.
Smith retaliated by leaping onto the stage and slapping Rock. “Keep my wife’s name out of your fucking mouth!” Smith exclaimed as he returned to his seat.
The comedian looked stunned in the immediate aftermath of the incident, but told the audience: “That was the greatest night in the history of television.”
Read More: Oscars 2022: See Full List Of Winners
Smith won best actor for “King Richard” following the incident and issued an apology in a tearful acceptance speech. The actor said, “I want to apologize to the Academy. I want to apologize to all my fellow nominees. This is a beautiful moment and I’m not crying for winning an award. It’s not about winning an award for me. It’s about being able to shine a light on all of the people.”
In a statement to Variety after the Oscars telecast, the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that Rock had declined to file a police report. The LAPD added at the time: “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. If the involved party desires a police report at a later date, LAPD will be available to complete an investigative report.”
Read More: Will Smith Cries As He Apologizes For Slapping Chris Rock As Cops Reacts {Photos&video}
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.
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 28, 2022
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