Will Smith Dodged an LAPD Arrest After Slapping Comedian Chris Rock

During the 2022 Oscars, millions watched Will Smith walk onto the stage and slap Chris Rock. The incident came after Rock made a joke about the appearance of Smith’s wife over her hair loss. It was a shocking sight of nothing seen before in Oscars history.

According to Oscars producer Will Packer, he said the Los Angeles Police Department was prepared to arrest Will Smith. Packer observed the LAPD explain to Rock that the slap constituted a battery and Rock has the right to pursue charges against Smith. However, Rock was very dismissive of the idea of pressing charges. According to Packer, Rock repeated, “No, no, no, I’m fine…”

The LAPD made a public statement after the ceremony stating they were aware of the incident and that Rock declined to file a police report. The LAPD declined further comment.

Smith has since apologized for his reaction and behavior. He publicly announced his resignation from the Academy. The Academy’s disciplinary investigation remains ongoing.

If Smith had been arrested and subsequently charged, it would have been a misdemeanor under Pen. Code, § 242. Smith could have faced up to 6 months in jail with a fine of up to $1,000.

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