American actor, Will Smith is being criticized for punching comedian Chris Rock on stage at the Oscars.
Mr. Smith hit the comedian for making a joke of his wife, Jada’s bald head.
Rock was presenting best documentary prize when the incident occurred.
Referring to Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved hairdo, Rock said “Jada can’t wait for GI 2.”
At first, it had seemed like a joke or some kind of set-up. Smith even appeared to laugh at first after Rock delivered his line about his wife looking like G.I. Jane.
Rock’s joke referred to the 1997 film GI Jane, in which Demi Moore played the title role rocking a low cut hair style.
Reacting later, Smith got up, went on stage and smacked Rock. Then, Smith went to his seat and was heard shouting to Rock to “keep my wife’s name out your [f***ing] mouth”.
But Mr Smith later apologized in a tearful best actor acceptance speech for his role in ‘King Richard’ tennis biopic.
Pinkett Smith’s bald head is as a result of having the hair loss condition, alopecia.
There are fears that the Academy, organizers of the Oscars award ceremony, may take disciplinary action against Will Smith, including taking the award from him.