Will Smith Calls Slapping Chris Rock ‘Inexcusable’

The latest news on the most shocking moments of the 94th Oscars came late Monday when actor Will Smith apologized to Chris Rock, saying his behavior was “inexcusable.”

It all began with what is simply being called “The Slap,” the stunning decision by Smith to slap comedian Chris Rock at the Academy Awards Sunday night following Rock’s wisecrack about Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith.

By now millions have seen the video where Rock said as he walked on stage to present the award for Best Documentary, “Jada, love ya. G.I. Jane 2, can’t wait to see ya. Alright?” G.I. Jane was a movie character in the military played by Demi Moore who shaved her head for the role.

There was laughter in the audience filled with Hollywood’s most famous. Jada appeared to roll her eyes in a look of exasperation. And then her husband strode onstage and slapped Rock. Jaws dropped in the Dolby Theatre and living rooms everywhere.

As Rock regained his bearings, he said, “Will Smith just slapped the s*** out of me!”

And Smith, who had returned to his seat replied, “Keep my wife’s name out of your f****in’ mouth.” Then, Smith repeated the demand.

The Los Angeles Police Department released a statement announcing that Chris Rock did not want to file a complaint.

In the hours since the incident, there has a range of responses including analysis, condemnation and debate. There has also been education about alopecia, the condition Pickett Smith explained as the reason she shaved her head.

Massachusetts Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley has also been vocal about suffering from alopecia.

She tweeted her support of Will Smith’s slap in the minutes immediately following the incident but then deleted it. On Monday she revisited the subject and stated that she did not condone violence. She did take a stand for those living with alopecia.

Smith had been lauded for his portrayal of Richard Williams, the passionately determined father of tennis greats, Venus and Serena Williams. The role earned Smith an Oscar nomination. And he won — and gave a speech that stopped just shy of a full apology for his behavior earlier in the evening.

Richard Williams’ son told HuffPost his dad does not condone violence unless it is in self-defense. The Academy has opened an investigation.