Oscars 2022: LA police 'not investigating' Will Smith's Chris Rock slap

Watch the moment Will Smith slaps Chris Rock

The Los Angeles Police Department has said it is not currently investigating the incident at the 2022 Oscars that saw Will Smith slapping comedian Chris Rock on stage, live on television.

In a statement, the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that it is aware that an incident took place at the Academy Awards but that no one involved has filed a report.

“LAPD investigative entities are aware of an incident between two individuals during the Academy Awards program,” a statement by the LAPD said. “The incident involved one individual slapping another. The individual involved has declined to file a police report.

Read more: Will Smith apologises after slapping Rock at the Oscars

"If the involved party desires a police report at a later date, LAPD will be available to complete an investigative report.”

The Academy also released a statement after the ceremony saying: “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.”

Smith stormed the stage of the Oscars and hit Rock in the face after the comedian made a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith.

The actor, who is nominated in the best actor category, appeared to take offence to a gag Rock made about Pinkett Smith’s short haircut.

The Magic Mike XXL star and Red Table Talk host has previously spoken about her experiences with hair loss and said it is what prompted her to shave her head.

Referring to Pinkett Smith’s buzzcut, Rock said: “Jada, can’t wait for GI Jane 2”, prompting the actress to roll her eyes.

However, Smith walked up on stage and appeared to hit Rock before returning to his seat and shouting twice: “Keep my wife’s name out of your f****** mouth.”

Rock appeared shocked and flustered as he tried to resume presenting the best documentary feature category.

He said: “That was the greatest night in the history of television.”

Fellow Oscar-nominee Denzel Washington appeared to console Smith as he escorted from the stage. Smith — who moments later won the Best Actor Oscar — thanked the Tragedy of Macbeth actor for his support during his speech.

Smith apologised to both the Academy and his fellow nominees, but not to Rock, as he collected his gong, joking that he “looks like the crazy father.”

Breaking down in tears, he said: “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 me to do and be in this world.”

He added: “I’m being called on in my life to love people and to protect people and to be a river to my people.

“I know to do what we do you’ve got to be able to take abuse, you’ve got to be able to have people talk crazy about you in this business.

“You’ve got to be able have people disrespecting you and you’ve got to smile and pretend like that’s OK.”