The Oscars organizers said that they “condemned” Will Smith’s attack against Chris Rock and opened a formal investigation into the incident.
According to the film academy, it will also explore further actions and consequences in accordance our Bylaws and Standards of Conduct as well as California law.
After making a joke about Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith, the and former Fresh Prince won the best actor gong.
Rock referred to her shaved hair and said, “Jada! Can’t wait for GI Jane 2!”
Smith, 53, laughed initially at the joke, but his wife, who sat next to him, rolled their eyes and seemed unimpressed.
Rock tried to present an award again, but he faltered and said “Uh oh” when he saw Smith getting up from his chair and approaching him.
Smith then walked up to the podium and slapped Rock on the face, before returning to his chair and shouting twice: “Keep my wife’s name out your f ****** lips.”
Soon after, Smith was named Best Actor.
He accepted his award and said, “Ah man. Richard Williams was a strong defender of his family. “At this moment in my life, I feel overwhelmed by the calling of God on me to be and do what He has called me to.”
Continue reading:
Who was the winner at this year’s Oscars? Full list
The moment was met with mixed responses online. One person described it as the “ugliest Oscar moment”
Rob Reiner, a filmmaker, tweeted his thoughts about the incident and asked Smith to apologize.
He wrote that Will Smith owed Chris Rock an enormous apology. He has no excuse for his actions. Chris is lucky he hasn’t been charged with assault.
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“The excuses he made tonight were ******t.”
Jamela Jamil, the Good Place actress, came out in support of Smith, writing: “A man large enough to absolutely floor him. He slapped Chris softly enough that Chris barely moved. Because he made fun at his wife’s alopecia, on a global stage.
Sophia Bush, One Tree Hill actress, condemned the incident and pointed out that both men were wrong. She wrote, “They both need to take a break.”
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