Academy "No Violence Tolerated"... Chris Rock, Who Was Slapped, 'Refuses to Report'

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Actor Will Smith has sparked controversy after violently striking presenter Chris Rock during the Academy Awards ceremony in response to a joke. The Oscars organizers have since issued a statement regarding the incident.

On the 28th (Korean time), Will Smith won the Best Actor award for the film 'King Richard' at the 94th Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California, USA.

During the ceremony, comedian Chris Rock, who was presenting an award, made a joke about the shaved head of Will Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, asking if she was starring in the movie 'G.I. Jane.' In response, Will Smith suddenly walked onto the stage and punched Chris Rock on the cheek. 'G.I. Jane' is a film starring Demi Moore with a shaved head.

The audience and Chris Rock initially laughed heartily, thinking Will Smith's approach to the stage was a witty performance, but Will Smith then struck Chris Rock's face forcefully and turned away with a serious expression.

Back in his seat, Will Smith shouted loudly, "Keep my wife's name out of your mouth," followed by profanity.

Jada Pinkett Smith had previously revealed in 2018 that she was experiencing hair loss due to health issues. It appears that Will Smith was enraged by the joke targeting this sensitive matter.

Afterward, when accepting the Best Actor award on stage, Will Smith apologized for the incident, saying, "I apologize to the Academy. I am sorry to all my fellow nominees and everyone here."

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

After the event, the Academy issued a statement on its official social media, saying, "We do not tolerate any form of violence."

American media outlet Variety reported, "The Los Angeles Police Department was aware of the assault, but Chris Rock (the involved party) declined to file a report," adding, "If he wishes to report later, an investigation report will be prepared."

The moment Will Smith struck Chris Rock at the Academy Awards was broadcast worldwide through the American terrestrial broadcaster ABC and was also aired domestically via TV Chosun.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.