We’re gonna be talking about that moment for awhile now.
I didn’t even watch this year’s Academy Awards (because pretty much anything else seemed like a better use of my time), but obviously I saw the incident between Chris Rock and Will Smith as soon as it made its way to social media.
Of course everybody’s seen it by now, but if you’ve somehow missed it, while introducing the nominees for Best Documentary, Chris Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith (who has been open about her hair-loss struggle) starring in the next GI Jane movie (GI Jane is bald).
Needless to say, her husband Will Smith didn’t take too kindly to that.
He walked up to Chris on stage and slapped him square across the face.
Chris was left stunned and told the crowd:
“Will Smith just slapped the shit out of me…”
To which Will replied:
“Keep my wife’s name out of your fucking mouth.”
I’ve never seen anything like it:
Here’s the unedited version:
After the incident, many online were wondering why Will Smith was allowed to return to his seat and continue to participate in the ceremony – and even give a tear-soaked acceptance speech after winning Best Actor – instead of being escorted out and charged with assault.
Well now we have our answer from the Los Angeles Police Department.
LAPD has issued a statement saying that Chris Rock declined to press charges.
“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.”
That may be the end of it from a legal standpoint, but I have a feeling we’re going to be talking (and hearing) about this moment for a LONG time to come.
Will Smith Gives Tear-Soaked Best Actor Acceptance Speech Right After Punching Chris Rock At The Oscars
Will won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in King Richard, a story about Richard Williams, the father of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams.
He delivered a tear-soaked, emotional speech about his call to protect and defend those around him.
“King Richard was a fierce defender of his family.
In this time in my life, in this moment, I am overwhelmed at what God is calling me to do and be in this world… I’m being called on in my life to love people and to protect people, and to be a river to my people.”
WILD…
