Chaos has unfolded at the 94th Academy Awards currently underway in Hollywood, with actor Will Smith smacking Chris Rock across the face.
The heated exchange unfolded on live TV after Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett-Smith’s shaven head.
Smith’s wife Jada suffers from the autoimmune disorder alopecia.
In footage shared on social media, Smith can be seen storming onto the stage before hitting the comedian in the face.
He then walks back to his seat, where he can be heard yelling “Keep my wife’s name out of your f****** mouth!”
The vision has shocked viewers around the world, with many left confused about whether or not it was staged.
WATCH:
Warning the below footage features coarse language. Viewer discretion is advised.
BREAKING: Will Smith hits Chris Rock at the Oscars for making joke about his wife.
“Keep my wife’s name out your fucking mouth,” he adds. pic.twitter.com/VVZG2eflHe
— BNO News (@BNONews) March 28, 2022
An emotional Will Smith has since issued an apology for the outburst, declaring “love makes you do crazy things”.
“I want to apologize to the Academy and I want to apologize to all my fellow nominees,” Smith said whilst accepting his Academy Award for Best Actor in the film King Richard.
“Art imitates life, I look like the crazy father just like they said”.
WATCH:
Will Smith: “I want to apologize to the Academy and I want to apologize to all my fellow nominees — this is a beautiful moment and I’m not crying about winning an award…it’s about being able to shine light.”#Oscarshttps://t.co/EViXaQY1NZ pic.twitter.com/NhyqzDtkf0
— Good Morning America (@GMA) March 28, 2022
