Comedian Chris Rock has declined to file assault charges against actor Will Smith, Los Angeles said in a statement.
LAPD said it can only investigate the incident if Chris Rock files a report.
“LAPD investigative entities are aware of an incident between two individuals during the Academy Awards program,” LA 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.”
*Rock*, presenting the best documentary prize with a short comedy routine, had cracked a joke comparing Jada Pinkett Smith’s tightly cropped hair to Demi Moore’s appearance in the film “G.I. Jane” and suggested she appear in a sequel.
In a moment that triggered awkward silence and confusion in the Dolby Theatre, Smith strode up to *Rock* and slapped him, before returning to his seat alongside Jada and shouting profanities.
“Keep my wife’s name out of your fucking mouth,” yelled Smith, forcing the producers to bleep out several seconds of audio from the televised broadcast in the United States.
After the gala ended, the Academy tweeted that it “does not condone violence of any form,” without directly referring to the incident.
“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.”
