Will Smith Assaults Chris Rock at Oscars after Jab at His Wife

Will Smith and Chris Rock had an altercation during the 2022 Oscar on Sunday.

Rock appeared on stage to present the Oscar for documentary feature and made a joke about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith being in “G.I. Jane” because of her shaved head.

Pinkett Smith announced last year she shaved her head after struggling with alopecia.

Smith had stormed onstage to strike Rock before returning to his seat and yelling at Rock to keep his wife’s name out of his mouth.

Many in the Oscars audience appeared stunned at the altercation.

Diddy was the next presenter during the ceremony, where he appeared to introduce the 50th-anniversary celebration of “The Godfather”.

He addressed the situation by saying, “Will and Chris, we’re going to solve this like family. Right now we’re moving on with love. Everybody make some noise.”

The "Hancock" actor’s publicist Meredith O. Sullivan came by him during the commercial break to have a discussion. Denzel Washington also spoke to him privately.

Smith revealed during his best actor speech that Washington said to him, “At your highest moment, be careful, that’s when the devil comes for you.”

Sullivan continued to visit Smith during each commercial break following the incident. Oscars producer Will Packer had also visited Smith before the best actor category was announced. Smith was nominated for his performance in “King Richard” and won the Oscar later in the ceremony.

“Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his family,” Smith said during his speech. He later apologized to the Academy and his fellow nominees for his actions.

Rock has declined to file a police report after Smith smacked the comedian.

"LAPD investigative entities are aware of an incident between two inpiduals during the Academy Awards program," the Los Angeles Police Department said in a statement.

"The incident involved one inpidual slapping another. The inpidual 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," the statement continued.

The Academy has said it "condemns" Smith's assault of Chris Rock at the ceremony, and has launched a formal review of the incident.

A statement said it would explore further action and consequences in accordance with California law, and the body's standards of conduct.