Chris Rock won't press charges against Will Smith for punch

Writer: Heidi Hsia

For Will Smith, it was a joke that crossed the line

28 Mar – Will Smith is not facing charges for the assault against comedian Chris Rock during the live telecast of the 94th Academy Awards earlier today.

The news was confirmed by the Los Angeles Police Department, stating that Rock has declined to file a police report on the actor, who won Best Actor for his performance in "King Richard".

Chris Rock is not pressing charges

Jada Pinkett Smith last year opens up about struggle with alopecia

In an incident that had since turned viral, Will Smith went on stage and hit Rock in the face after the comedian, who was presenting for Best Documentary, made a joke about wanting to watch Smith's wife Jada Pinkett in "G.I. Jane 2", referring to her struggle with alopecia.

Smith then returned to his seat and shouted "Keep my wife's name out of your [expletive] mouth!"

The actor had since apologised to the Academy and the audiences for his behaviour during his acceptance speech, but made no mention of Rock.

"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. Tim and Trevor and Zack and Saniyya and Demi and Aunjanue and the entire cast and crew of King Richard, Venus and Serena, the entire Williams family. Art imitates life. I look like the crazy father, just like they said about Richard Williams," Smith said in his emotional acceptance speech.

You can watch the incident in the clip here:

Will Smith wins Best Actor and apologises to the Academy for his behavior, but did not mention Chris Rock