Trevor Noah appeared to mock Will Smith as he opened the Grammys on Sunday night.
The comedian made a sly dig at the Hollywood superstar while hosting the music awards show at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
“It is going to be such a beautiful evening. Don’t even think of it as an award show, this is a concert where we’re giving out awards,” he said.
“We’re going to be listening to some music, we’re going dancing, we’re going to be singing, we’re going to be keeping people’s names out of our mouths.”
Smith infamously told Chris Rock at the Oscars to “keep my wife’s name out your f***ing mouth” after storming the stage and slapping the comedian for making a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith.
Earlier in the pre-show premiere ceremony, where the majority of the Grammys were awarded, comedian Nate Bargatze also poked fun at the incident after walking on stage wearing a large black helmet.
“They said comedians have to wear these now at awards shows during the joke parts,” he said. “It doesn’t even cover your face, I think it just focuses where you would hit me.”
It comes after Smith resigned from the Academy on Friday as he apologised for his “inexcusable” actions.
“I have directly responded to the Academy’s disciplinary hearing notice, and I will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct,” he said in a statement.
“My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable.
“The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all those in attendance, and global audiences at home. I betrayed the trust of the Academy.
“I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken.
“I want to put the focus back on those who deserve attention for their achievements and allow the Academy to get back to the incredible work it does to support creativity and artistry in film.
“So, I am resigning from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate.”
He added: “Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason.”
A subsequent statement from Academy president David Rubin said: “We have received and accepted Mr Will Smith’s immediate resignation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
“We will continue to move forward with our disciplinary proceedings against Mr Smith for violations of the Academy’s Standards of Conduct, in advance of our next scheduled board meeting on April 18.”
At the meeting Academy board members will discuss what disciplinary measures will be taken.
