Why Chris Rock Doesn't Want To File Assault, Battery Charges Vs. Will Smith After Oscars Slap

Comedian Chris Rock has declined to press charges against actor Will Smith, without identifying the reasons why, after the Oscar winner slapped the comedian on stage during the live show of the Academy Awards on Sunday, March 27.

Authorities from the Los Angeles Police have said in a statement to the press that the 57-year-old comedian has declined to press charges for the assault that he suffered on live television, whilst continuing to stress that he is well within his rights to press charges, according to the Daily Beast.

“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,” the statement read.

Rock was slapped by Will Smith after he made a "G.I. Jane" joke about Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith, who has been open about losing her hair due to alopecia. Although first seen laughing at the joke, Smith charged onto the stage and slapped Rock after seemingly seeing his wife’s reaction to the joke, Page Six reported.

“Keep my wife’s name out your f—ing mouth!” Smith repeatedly yelled at Rock after slapping the man and returning to his seat.

Smith then won the Academy Award for Best Actor later on in the ceremony for his performance in the film "King Richard," and was in tears during his speech, apologizing to everyone except Rock for the incident that occurred, while saying in his speech that he wants to be a “vessel of love”.

Amidst calls from many people online that Smith’s Oscar be revoked for the incident, The Academy has released a statement through a tweet that it does not condone violence, though it is unclear if Smith will face any repercussions on the incident, according to a Page Six article.

“The Academy does not condone violence of any form,” the body tweeted after the event. “Tonight we are delighted to celebrate our 94th Academy Awards winners, who deserve this moment of recognition from their peers and movie lovers around the world.”