The Academy, organisers of Oscars award, has released a statement reacting to the slapping incident that occurred between actor, Will Smith and comedian Chris Rock.
While Rock was presenting best documentary prize, he made a joke about Will Smith’s wife, Jada’s shaved hairdo, saying: “Jada, can’t wait for GI Jane 2.”
Read Also: Oscars 2022: Will Smith Slaps Chris Rock On Stage For Making Fun Of Jada’s Bald Head (Videos)
At first, it had seemed like a joke or some kind of set-up. Smith even appeared to laugh at first after Rock delivered his line about his wife looking like G.I. Jane with her bald head.
Jada Pinkett-Smith’s bald head is as a result of having an autoimmune hair loss disorder, alopecia.
Rock’s joke referred to 1997 film GI Jane, in which Demi Moore played the title role rocking a low cut hair style.
Doubt began to creep in when Smith rose from his seat and hit Rock on the stage.
By the time, Smith was sitting back in his seat and shouting to Rock to “keep my wife’s name out your [expletive] mouth,” it was clear this was no sketch. A professional like Smith would know better than to drop the F-word on stage during a live TV broadcast.
Rock, meanwhile, looked visibly shaken. But, realising he’d just made Oscars history, he made light of the situation, commenting: “That was the greatest night in the history of television.”
He then handed over the best documentary prize, which was the reason he was on stage.
The moment Will Smith designed Chris Rock’s face with a sIap on stage at the Oscarspic.twitter.com/JLGU1Mv9WE
— Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) March 28, 2022
However, Smith later apologised in a tearful best actor acceptance speech.
Will Smith’s acceptance speech as he wins his first ever #Oscar pic.twitter.com/qKVTOb7V6Q
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) March 28, 2022
Reacting, The Academy in a tweet said, “The Academy does not condone violence of any form,”about two hours after the incident.
The Academy tweet then sought to refocus attention on the more dignified elements of the evening:
It added;
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 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
However, many have taken to social media to slam Will Smith for overreacting to a joke after initially laughing to same comment.
The Last Samurai producer, Marshall Herskovitz amongst others is demanding that the Academy takes disciplinary action against Will.
He tweeted;
I call upon the Academy, of which I am a member to take disciplinary action against Will Smith. He disgraced our entire community tonight.
I call upon the Academy, of which I am a member, to take disciplinary action against Will Smith. He disgraced our entire community tonight.
— Marshall Herskovitz (@MHerskovitz) March 28, 2022
Disciplinary actions against Will Smith could cost him his Best Actor award for his role in ‘King Richard’ tennis biopic he later won during the award ceremony.
On his part, Rock decided not to file a police report — at least for now. That means Smith will not be charged with assault or face the up to six months behind bars and a fine up to $100,000 that could result from such a charge.
