Is Chris Rock planning to sue Will Smith? Insider claims comedian hired law firm
12 April 2022, 17:28
Watch the full confrontation between Will Smith and Chris Rock live on the Oscars stage after gag about Jada Pinkett Smith
Could Will Smith and the Academy Awards be getting sued by the comedian for the slapping incident? Here's everything we know so far!
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Chris Rock could be hitting Will Smith with a major lawsuit after slapping him in the face at the 94th Academy Awards.
According to MTO News, Rock was spotted having a meeting inside one of the biggest litigation laws in the US last week, where a source claims he has now 'become a new client' of the firm.
Chris Rock "will only talk about Will Smith Oscars slap under certain conditions"
This alleged news means that Rock could possibly be looking to not only sue Smith but also the Academy Awards. Whilst the source couldn't real certain details about Chris' meeting at the law firm, they did reveal that "Whatever they were saying, it was big - given the number of lawyers at the meeting".
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Rock declined to file a report on the incident after it happening, with them claiming in a statement:
"LAPD investigative entities are aware of an incident between two individuals during the Academy Awards program. 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".
At the Oscars, which took place on March 28th saw Smith slap Rock in the face during the live airing of the annual award show. Whilst presenting the Best Documentary award, the comedian joked about Jada being bald, saying "Jada, I love ya. G.I. Jane 2, can't wait to see ya".
Before announcing the winner of the award, Smith walked onstage, slapped Rock in the face and then returned to his seat, yelling "keep my wife’s name out of your f***ing mouth" twice.
Watch slow-motion clip of Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars
After the slapping incident, Will went onto win his first ever Best Actor Oscar for his role of Richard Williams in the 2021 biopic King Richard. During his heartfelt speech, the legendary actor apologised to the Academy for his actions saying:
"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".
24 hours later, Smith apologised to Rock via Instagram, releasing a statement that read:
"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" he continued.
"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".
