Oscars 2022: Chris Rock declines to file report against Will Smith. But, will the actor lose his trophy or face an Academy ban over slap?

There are many questions that are being hurled out in the social media after Will Smith slapped Chris Rock during the Oscars ceremony earlier today. The academy is yet to issue an elaborate statement on this unpleasant and shocking episode. However, on Twitter, the organisers of Oscars 2022 have given a disclaimer.
In a tweet, the Academy wrote, "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. "
This response came in the wake of Will Smith slapping Chris Rock and verbally abusing him on Academy Awards stage after Rock took a jibe at his wife.

As Chris Rock took the stage to introduce the Best Documentary feature, he made a joke about Smith’s wife and compared the actor’s wife Jada Pinkett-Smith to 'G.I. Jane' because of her bald head. For those of you who do not know, Pinkett-Smith had previously opened up about a hair loss condition which she suffers from, that causes the baldness.

After hearing Rock’s dig, Will Smith went onto the stage, and slapped the presenter. The ‘Men In Black’ actor then screamed twice at the top of his lungs "Keep my wife’s name out of your f***ing mouth,” and walked away.

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Rock initially tried to diffuse the tension and awkwardness despite being slapped. However, his face turned solemn soon and he quickly made the announcement and left the stage.

According to an NBC news report police say comedian Chris Rock declined to file a report against Will Smith. In a statement released by the LAPD, the police department said, "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."

Will Smith’s Apology
Later in the evening, the actor won the Best Actor award for his performance in 'King Richard'. During his acceptance speech, Smith had tears rolling down his face. The actor compared himself to his onscreen character in the and said that "Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his family. In this time in my life, in this moment, I am overwhelmed by what God is calling on me to do and be in this world. Making this film I got to protect Aunjanue Ellis, who is one of the most strongest, most delicate people I ever met. I got to protect Saniyya and Demi, the two actresses that played Venus and Serena. I'm being called on in my life to love people and to protect people and to be a river to my people."

The actor added that he is well-aware that as a public personality, others are entitled to say 'crazy' things about him. "In this business, you gotta be able to have people disrespecting you and you gotta smile and you gotta pretend like that's OK. But Richard Williams, and what I loved, thank you D. Denzel (Washington) said to me a few minutes ago, he said, 'At your highest moment, be careful. That's when the devil comes for you.'"

The actor said that he wishes to be vessel for love and said thanks to to Venus and Serena.
"I just spit, I hope they didn't see that. I want to say thank you to Venus and Serena and the entire Williams family for entrusting me with your story. That's what I want to do. I want to be an ambassador of that kind of love and care and concern. I want to apologize to the Academy, I want to apologize 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 Zach and Saniyya and Demi and Aunjunue and the entire cast and crew of 'King Richard' and Venus and Serena and the entire Williams family. Art imitates life. I look like the crazy father, just like they said. I look like the crazy father just like they said about Richard Williams. But love will make you do crazy things."

The actor ended his acceptance speech saying “I'm hoping the Academy invites me back. Thank you.”

Will the Academy Invite Him Back ?
Firstly, the organisers of Academy Awards have very strict rules in place, some of which were revised during the 2017 women’s revolt against sexual misconducted perpetrated by men in power, in Hollywood.

The rules stipulated in a letter issued by the academy back then states that they would focus on “inclusion, fostering supportive environments, and respect for human dignity”

Back then, the AMPAS CEO Dawn Hudson had written to Academy members and said, “There is no place in the Academy for people who abuse their status, power or influence in a manner that violates recognized standards of decency. The Academy is categorically opposed to any form of abuse, harassment or discrimination on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disability, age, religion, or nationality. The Board of Governors believes that these standards are essential to the Academy’s mission and reflective of our values.”

Will action be taken against Smith? It's hard to tell for now, until the Academy decides how best to address the gross misconduct that Smith has conducted.