Chris Rock will not be pressing charges against Will Smith after the actor slapped him at last night's 94th Academy Awards, the Los Angeles Police Department has confirmed.
The 53-year-old actor left the world stunned as he darted out of his seat to strike the 57-year-old comic after the latter appeared to make a joke about his wife Jade Pinkett Smith's shaved head.
Pinkett Smith has previously spoken about being diagnosed with alopecia - an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss.
When Rock joked: "Jada, I love you. G.I. Jane 2, can't wait to see it," Pinkett Smith could be seen rolling her eyes, while her husband, Smith, appeared to initially laugh at the gag.
The situation then took an unexpected turn when the Independence Day star suddenly launched onto the stage and slapped the funnyman, who responded in shock, saying: "Will Smith just smacked the s*** out of me."
Smith then repeatedly told Rock to "leave my wife's name out of your f***ing mouth."
Following the onstage altercation, watched by millions around the world, the LAPD has confirmed that Rock has declined to file a police report.
The department said in a statement per CNN:
"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."
Rock's decision not to involve law enforcement comes as many condemn the Hollywood movie star for resorting to violence in order to defend his wife.
One commenter wrote: "I’m still in disbelief over Will Smith assaulting Chris Rick on live TV at the #Oscars2022 Completely unacceptable. And frankly shouldn’t have been so casually dismissed. Rock handled it like a pro. Smith needs an intervention. Such a shame it marred the historic night."
Another suggested Smith should be arrested, writing: "Before today, I always liked Will Smith. Now I think he’s an overprivileged bully, who can’t take a joke, and who clearly thinks his wife can’t take care of herself. People who can’t behave themselves shouldn’t go to fancy parties."
A third argued: "Will Smith committed assault. It shouldn’t be up to Chris Rock to press charges. This is wrong."
After his altercation with Rock, Smith was awarded the coveted gong for best actor for his role as Richard Williams, the father of tennis champions Venus and Serena Williams, in King Richard.
Appearing to reference the dramatic encounter, he said: "I wanna apologize to the Academy and to all my fellow nominees. This is a beautiful moment and I’m 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, the entire cast and crew."
He added, wiping away tears: "Art imitates life! I looked like the crazy father, just like they said. But love will make you do crazy things."
