Will Smith Apologizes for Slapping Chris Rock as Academy Awards Launches Probe; Actor's Family, Celebrities Weigh the Incident

The incident where Will Smith hit Chris Rock at the Oscars prompted the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to open an investigation.

The Academy Awards had previously condemned Smith's actions, saying it did not "condone violence of any form," according to The Associated Press. The new statement said the organization would launch a formal review of the incident and explore further action and consequences using the Bylaws, Standards of Conduct, and California law.

Will Smith hit Chris Rock onstage after Rock made a joke about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith's, bald head. Pinkett Smith has previously revealed that she suffers from alopecia or hair loss.

Smith apologized to the academy for his actions during his acceptance speech, but he did not apologize to Chris Rock directly. Will Smith has been charged by the Los Angeles Police Department, but the comedian has decided not to file charges.

Will Smith's Family, Celebrities Speak About Oscar's Slapping Incident

Carolyn Smith is overjoyed that her celebrity son Will Smith has finally won an Academy Award. She got up early on Hollywood's biggest night and was the first to send a text on the family's private group chat.

But no one could have foreseen the outcome of Hollywood's greatest night. The actor's mother, sisters, and others dressed up and gathered around the TV to see their idol as the Smith family gathered at their family home in the suburbs of Philadelphia.

The actor's family claims that the incident does not define him. They said that he prioritizes his family, is caring, and is the glue that holds the family together. Ellen Smith, Will Smith's younger sister, says she's seen her brother perform under pressure and in front of the camera.

While the rest of the world has differing viewpoints, this family holds one perspective. They are proud of who he has become as a Philadelphia actor, and they are certain that he will make the right decisions in the future, as per ABC7. Many celebrities have now harshly criticized the star's activities. In a since-deleted remark, Mia Farrow called it the "Oscars' ugliest moment."

Labor Party leader Keir Starmer also weighed in on Smith's actions, stating that he was "pretty shocked at it" in an interview with LBC. Sophia Bush, star of 'One Tree Hill,' likewise slammed Smith's conduct while condemning Rock's humor. Many more well-known people have weighed in.

The LAPD confirmed that Chris Rock is not currently filing charges against Will Smith following the incident, noting in a statement that the individual involved has declined to submit a police report. The LAPD will be available to finish an investigation report if the affected party requests one at a later time, according to NME.

Will Smith Wins His First-Ever Academy Awards

After the commotion, Will Smith went to the stage to accept his first-ever Academy Award, delivering an emotional apology for an act that was destined to overshadow his historic success. During Sunday night's awards, he used the chance to talk about how he, like his tennis dad character Richard Williams from "King Richard," is a strong defender.

After Chris Rock remarked on Jada Pinkett Smith's appearance that didn't sit well with him, Smith felt like the guardian of many people, especially his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Will Smith then talked about being a bodyguard for those who worked on the film with him, including Aunjanue Ellis, Saniyya Sidney, and Demi Singleton, who played Venus and Serena, respectively.

In 2018, Pinkett Smith disclosed that she had been diagnosed with alopecia. On Instagram and other social media sites, she has frequently shared the difficulties of hair loss.

The audience inside the Dolby Theatre, as well as watchers at home, were taken aback by the scene. Presenter Daniel Kaluuya approached Smith during the commercial break to hug him, and Denzel Washington walked him to the side of the stage. Tyler Perry walked over to chat with them after they talked and hugged, SFGate reported.