USA Today Report On Oscar Slap

ECBG · ‎01-08-2011

Chris Rock declined to file a police report Sunday after Will Smith slapped him onstage at the Academy Awards, Los Angeles police appeared to confirm.

But now the Academy says it will investigate on its own, releasing a statement Monday afternoon: "The Academy condemns the actions of Mr. Smith at last night's show. We have officially started a formal review around the incident and will explore further action and consequences in accordance with our Bylaws, Standards of Conduct and California law."

This goes one step further than what the Academy said just after Sunday night's show, which basically said it didn't condone violence.

The moment that shocked Hollywood and millions of viewers around the world came after Rock made a joke about a “G.I. Jane” sequel, referencing Jada Pinkett Smith’s bald head. (Actress Demi Moore appeared in the 1997 movie with a shaved head.)

Smith appeared to laugh at first, before walking up to the stage, slapping Rock, returning to his seat and yelling, “Keep my wife's name out of your (expletive) mouth.”

Pinkett Smith was seen rolling her eyes after Rock's joke at the awards show.

In 2018, she confirmed that she was diagnosed with alopecia, an autoimmune skin disease that can cause hair loss on the scalp and on other parts of the body.

'This is just a wild night': Social media is stunned about Will Smith smacking Chris Rock

The Los Angeles Police Department said in a statement that it was “aware of an incident between two individuals during the Academy Awards program.".

“The incident involved one individual slapping another,” the LAPD said. “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.”

USA TODAY has reached out to Rock’s representatives for additional information.

Still, the slap seen around the world spurred much discussion from viewers. Will Smith face charges? Can the Academy rescind his Oscar?

Here is what we know.

Can Will Smith face assault charges?

Smith's slap was assault and battery under California law, and any watching police officer in the building could have immediately removed Smith from the stage, according to legal analyst Aron Solomon, who says he checked California statutes after the incident witnessed by millions.

"The immediate question (online) is was it a crime, and statutorily it's clear it was assault and battery – there was actual physical contact – and that's a misdemeanor," says Solomon, chief legal analyst for Esquire Digital in Philadelphia, which helps lawyers grow their practices. "Generally both are punishable by a fine of $2,000 and up to six months in county jail."

But if Rock doesn't press charges, a prosecution may be unlikely.

Love my grandkids · ‎11-24-2013

And these two idiots are getting more publicity with this staged performance than from any movie. Just what they wanted. So glad I didn't watch it.

Mz iMac · ‎07-26-2014

**Personal Opinion:** I believe it was "staged" for publicity because.....

GROWN men do not "slap, sucker slap, etc." another GROWN MAN. Especially if a "SO" is involved.

GROWN men PUNCH!

WS "sucker slapped" CR.

What occurred has resulted in the most publicity the Oscars has received in decades!

The Acadamy Award Show will now be known as the "slap heard/seen from around the world."

"Never argue with a fool. Onlookers may not be able to tell the difference."

BlueFinch · ‎08-31-2019

It's too bad Chris doesn't want to press charges. Will could use a little quiet time in jail to reflect on his behavior. You know, how to REALLY embrace peace and love.

That said, although Chris was wrong going after Jada, he handled the situation well, preventing further escalation. He's a comedian, and although socially inappropriate, he didn't break the law. Will did.

There needs to be some type of negative consequences for Will. What we saw instead was a coveted award handed to him, with him partying down, into the night, celebrating afterwards.

The King was back in action. No! A wrong message for all observing.

Flika13 · ‎04-30-2014

Another planned distraction????????

Tinkrbl44 · ‎08-23-2010

Oh, come on ..... A slap is NOT a punch.

While Chris Rock's comment was planned or premeditated, I'm not sure Will Smith's slap was. Or maybe they were having a little fun to shake things up.

I think it's ridiculous that anyone would think Chris Rock would file a police report.

Well, if the Academy wanted a little "excitement" for people to talk about, they got it.

Maybe Will Smith will get a "slap on the wrist" ... pun intended.

Sooner · ‎03-10-2010

It's all about the pub and the $$$$$$. Nobody's going to jail.

Tinkrbl44 · ‎08-23-2010

@BlueFinch wrote:
It's too bad Chris doesn't want to press charges. Will could use a little quiet time in jail to reflect on his behavior. You know, how to REALLY embrace peace and love.

That said, although Chris was wrong going after Jada, he handled the situation well, preventing further escalation. He's a comedian, and although socially inappropriate, he didn't break the law. Will did.

There needs to be some type of negative consequences for Will. What we saw instead was a coveted award handed to him, with him partying down, into the night, celebrating afterwards.

The King was back in action. No! A wrong message for all observing.

@BlueFinch

What are you talking about? Who's the king? And since when is slapping someone "against the law"? Good grief.