The Academy has said it “does not condone violence of any form” following an altercation during the 94th annual ceremony between best actor winner Will Smith and comedian Chris Rock.
“The Academy does not condone violence of any form,” the organisation tweeted.
“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.”
Will Smith appeared to punch Chris Rock in the face on stage after the comedian made a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s haircut.
Referring to Pinkett Smith’s buzzcut, Rock said: “Jada, can’t wait for GI Jane 2.”
Smith walked up on stage and appeared to hit Rock before returning to his seat and shouting: “Keep my wife’s name out of your f****** mouth.”
Rock appeared shocked and flustered as he tried to resume presenting the best documentary feature category.
He said: “That was the greatest night in the history of television.”
Jada Pinkett Smith has previously opened up about her struggles with hair loss.
Will Smith’s son, Jaden, has tweeted: “And That’s How We Do It” after his father appeared to slap comedian Chris Rock during the 94th Academy Awards.
Smith, who appeared to take offence to a gag Rock made about wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s short haircut, later won the best actor Oscar for his performance in King Richard.
Jaden told his Twitter followers his father’s acceptance speech for best actor at the 94th Academy Awards made him cry.
He tweeted: “My Dads Speech Made Me Cry” and added a selfie of him in a red suit and sunglasses.
His father, who won the award for his performance in King Richard, appeared to slap comedian Chris Rock during the Oscars. Smith appeared to take offence to a gag Rock made about wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s short haircut.
He used his acceptance speech to apologise, saying: “I want to apologise to the Academy, I want to apologise to all my fellow nominees.”
“I’m being called on in my life to love people and to protect people and to be a river to my people. 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.”
He continued: “Art imitates life, I look like the crazy father, just like they said about Richard Williams, but love will make you do crazy things.”
