The 94th Academy Awards simply known as the Oscars was held at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles on March 27th amidst much fanfare since it is the first widely attended awards event in the COVID 19 pandemic. However more than the deserving films and creators that won, it was the controversial slap of comedian Chris Rock by superstar Will Smith that has become the talking point.

While presenting the Oscar Award for the Best Documentary Feature to 'Summer of Soul', famous comedian Chris Rock took a potshot at Will Smith's wife Jada Pinket's full shaved head saying "G.I. Joe 2, Cant wait to see it". The remark angered her husband of 25 years who jumped out of his street went straight on stage and slapped the comedian.

Smith did not stop with that as he shouted back from his seat "Keep my wife's name out of your f***g mouth". Jada Pinket Smith is suffering from an autoimmune disorder alopecia that causes hair fall and prevents growth. The incident stunned not only those present in the hall but millions who watched. Smith who recieved the Best Actor Award for his film 'King Richard' gave a short apology during his acceptance speech.

The Hollywood superstar later took to Instagram and rendered a longer and emotional apology publicly. He wrote “Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive, My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are a part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally. I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness."

The 53 year old father of three added "I would also like to apologize to the Academy, the producers of the show, all the attendees and everyone watching around the world. I would like to apologize to the Williams Family and my King Richard Family. I deeply regret that my behavior has stained what has been an otherwise gorgeous journey for all of us. I am a work in progress. Sincerely, Will,"

Meanwhile Chris Rock refused to file charges against Will Smith and though he avoided the post Oscars party he was spotted at a friend's party posing with Robert De Niro and Woody Harrelson. Hollywood sources suggest that since two stars have a long history in the show business and have even collaborated they will soon bury the hatchet.

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