Police in Los Angeles have confirmed that they are aware of Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars.
Viewers and audience members were left speechless during Sunday night's Oscars ceremony after actor Will Smith smacked Chris Rock in the face on stage. The comedian made a joke at his wife Jada's expense which didn't go down too well.
It happened after Chris joked about Jada Pinkett Smith's buzzcut, quipping: "Jada, can't wait for GI Jane 2." The 1997 movie G.I Jane starred Demi Moore sporting a buzzcut similar to Jada's, who had previously spoken out about her decision to shave her head after suffering from alopecia.
Read more: Will Smith hits Chris Rock at the Oscars after comedian makes joke about his wife Jada
Will, who went on to win Best Actor later in the evening, walked up to the stage and slapped the presenter, before returning to his seat and yelling: "Keep my wife's name out of your f****** mouth." Chris appeared shocked by the incident, as he tried to resume presenting, saying: "That was the greatest night in the history of television."
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has since confirmed no police report has yet been filed following an altercation at the 94th Academy Awards, during which Oscar-winner Will Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock but said officers are aware of the incident.
An LAPD spokesperson told the PA news agency: "LAPD investigative entities are aware of an incident between two individuals during the Academy Awards programme.
"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 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 organisation tweeted: "The Academy does not condone violence of any form. 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 went into win Best Actor for King Richard minutes later and apologised for the incident in his acceptance speech, saying: "I want to apologise to the Academy, I want to apologise to all my fellow nominees."
