2022 Oscars: Chris Rock declines pressing charges against Will Smith
Joy Onuorah
US comedian, Chris Rock, has declined to file charges against award-winning actor, Will Smith, for slapping him on live TV.
Rock, had while hosting the 2022 Oscars on Sunday night, made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada, and her bald appearance.
Referring to the 1997 film in which Demi Moore featured as a soldier with a shaved head, he said;
“Jada I love you, ‘G.I. Jane 2,’ can’t wait to see it.”
Apparently disgusted by the joke, Smith had walked to the stage and slapped the comedian.
Smith who yelled at him while returning to his seat, said;
“Keep my wife’s name out of your… mouth.”
In a statement, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said Rock has declined to file a report against Smith after the incident.
The statement read;
“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.”
Smith would later apologise over the incident during his speech after winning the ‘best actor’ category at the award ceremony.
