The powers behind the Oscars reportedly held a frantic Zoom conference call this morning to determine whether they would strip Will Smith of his award for Best Actor. He received the award last night, but made bigger headlines when he open palm slapped comedian Chris Rock after the funny man made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s hairline.
The slap seen around the world went viral last night, racking up millions of views by this morning.
In the clip, Rock compared Pinkett Smith to G.I. Joe. The production staff then struggled to rapidly change cameras as Will Smith stood and approached the stage. The actor then slapped the comedian across the face, prompting shocked reactions from the crowd.
The Full Uncensored video of Will Smith’s altercation with Chris Rock at the #Oscars pic.twitter.com/cGQ3plSEiz
— Movies (@moreoffilms) March 28, 2022
After, Smith was spotted “holding court” and partying at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party.
At one point, Smith joined the dance floor and began “dancing with his Oscar to ‘Gettin Jiggy With It.'”
Will Smith holding court at the Vanity Fair party, dancing to his hits pic.twitter.com/PtX7tnsNKS
— nekesa mumbi moody (@nekesamumbi) March 28, 2022
That news came as it was revealed by local police that Chris Rock opted not to press charges against Smith for the televised assault.
“The individual involved has declined to file a police report,” the Los Angeles Police Department noted.
“If the involved party desires to a police report at a later date, LAPD will be available to complete an investigative report.”
Official LAPD statement on the Will Smith x Chris Rock incident:
"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." pic.twitter.com/cgzD9UPUlF
— Tony • GMA (@THETonyMorrison) March 28, 2022
While Smith might have had cause to party last night, it remains unclear how the Oscars bosses will respond, or whether they will at all.
This morning The Sun reported that “top secret emergency talks” were held to discuss Smith’s face. Apparently “furious members of the Academy” called for Smith to be “kicked out” of the organization for the slap.
The outlet, quoting several anonymous sources, claims that the Academy is in “crisis mode” and stripping Smith of his Best Actor award has been considered.
Will Smith won the award shortly after the slap, and “sobbed as he spoke about his role as Venus and Serena Williams’ father in the film King Richard and asked for forgiveness.”
Chris Rock was reportedly offered an “after care package” when he refused to talk to the police.
