Chris Rock declining to file charges following Will Smith Oscars altercation, says LAPD

The Los Angeles Police Department says Chris Rock has opted not to file a police report after being struck by Will Smith during an incident that shocked Oscar viewers Sunday night.

"LAPD investigative entities are aware of an incident between two individuals during the Academy Awards program," the agency said. "The incident involved one individual slapping another. The individual involved has declined to file a police. If the involved party desires a police report at a later date, LAPD will be available to complete an investigative report."

🔥Will Smith Punches Chris Rock on Oscars Stage After Jada Pinkett Smith Joke 🥊🥊 “Leave my wife’s name out of your f--king mouth." #WillSmith shouted #oscars #chrisrock #adnamerica #willsmithchrisrock #AcademyAwards pic.twitter.com/48usDMbdXb

— ADN America (@AmericaAdn) March 28, 2022

Hours prior, on Sunday evening, during the live broadcast of Hollywood's most prestigious awards ceremony, Smith interrupted Rock onstage and hit him after the comedian made a joke about Smith's wife – Jada Pinkett Smith.

Initially, the "King Richard" star was seen laughing at the joke, but moments later the altercation occurred. 

"Wow, Will Smith just smacked the shit out of me," said Rock, appearing stunned. Smith could be heard yelling from his table, "Keep my wife's name out of your f--king mouth!"

Several minutes following the altercation that apparently left the live audience stunned, Smith took home the trophy for "Best Actor."

During his emotional acceptance speech, Smith apologized to the Academy (though not to Rock) and said that "Richard Williams (father to tennis legends Venus and Serene Williams) was a fierce defender of his family."