Academy reacts to Will Smith slap, says it doesn’t condone violence

Los Angeles, March 28 (IANS): The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has responded to the Will Smith-Chris Rock slap episode that has overshadowed everything else that happened at the 94th Academy Awards.

It said in a statement tweeted on its official account, “The Academy does not condone violence of any form.” Then went on to say, “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.”

‘Variety’ reports that while presenting the best documentary feature award, Rock, a well-regarded comic actor, joked about Will Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, starring in ‘G I Jane 2’ because of her bald head. He was referencing the 1997 movie ‘G I Jane’ in which Demi Moore appears with a shaved head.

Pinkett Smith has been open about her struggles with alopecia, a medical condition causes aggravated hair loss. Smith reacted to the joke by going up on stage, separated from where he was sitting by a foot, and slapping Rock. He then returned to his seat and shouted, “Keep my wife’s name out of your f****** mouth!”

Smith won Best Actor for ‘King Richard’ following the incident and issued an apology in a tearful acceptance speech. The actor said, “I want to apologise to the Academy. I want to apologise to all my fellow nominees. This is a beautiful moment and I’m not crying for winning an award. It’s not about winning an award for me. It’s about being able to shine a light on all of the people.”

The point to be noted here is that Smith did not apologise to Rock, the target of his wrathful behaviour that has overtaken the coverage of the otherwise carefully crafted event.

Chris Rock declines to file police report

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has confirmed that comedian Chris Rock has “declined to file a police report” following an altercation with Oscar winner Will Smith at the 94th Academy Awards.

A full statement from the LAPD reads, “LAPD investigative entities are aware of an incident between two individuals during the Academy Awards programme. The incident involved one individual slapping another.”

Referring obviously to Rock, it adds, “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.”

In between the slap and his best actor win, Smith met with Denzel Washington. The eGlory’ and eTraining Day’ Oscar winner offered Smith the following advice, “At your highest moment, be careful, that’s when the devil comes for you.”

Pinkett Smith announced last year that she had shaved her head after struggling with alopecia. After Rock made his ‘G I Jane’ joke, she was seen not laughing and rolling her eyes.

She wrote on Instagram last year, “Now at this point, I can only laugh … y’all know I’ve been struggling with alopecia…Mama’s gonna have to take it down to the scalp so nobody thinks she got brain surgery or something. Me and this alopecia are going to be friends … period!”