Denzel Washington helped calm down fellow actor Will Smith after The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star slapped Chris Rock during the Oscar’s ceremony.
Smith reacted to Rock’s comments about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith midway through the event on Sunday, before striding to the stage and lashing out at Rock.
During a segment where he roasted some of the nominees, Rock turned his attention to Smith, before also referring to his wife.
He said: "Jada, I love you. G.I. Jane II, can't wait to see it,” before Smith reacted.
While many people thought the episode was staged, Rock reacted by saying “Oh, wow! Wow! Will Smith just smacked the **** out of me.
He added: "Wow, dude. It was a G.I. Jane joke," referencing the 1997 film "G.I. Jane" in which actress Demi Moore shaved her head.
Denzel Washington (L) walks with Will Smith
BRIAN SNYDER
Will Smith hits at Chris Rock during the ceremony
BRIAN SNYDER
Smith then responded by saying: "Keep my wife's name out of your ******* mouth,” to which Rock replied: "I'm going to. That's the greatest night in the history of television."
Jada Pinkett Smith told Billboard in December she has been battling the autoimmune disorder alopecia, which can cause hair loss and balding.
The actor calmed down before apologising for his actions during a tearful acceptance speech after he was crowned Best Actor.
He said: “I want to apologise to The Academy, I want to apologise to all my fellow nominees. This is a beautiful moment.”
Smith also revealed that fellow actor and director, Washington told him during a commercial break: “Be careful at your highest moment… that's when the devil comes for you.”
The Academy have hit out Smith’s actions, stating that it “does not condone violence of any form".
The statement added: “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.”
Meanwhile, The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said no report had yet been filed over the incident.
“LAPD investigative entities are aware of an incident between two individuals during the Academy Awards programme,” a spokesperson said.
“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.”