Chris Rock Is Not Pressing Charges Against Will Smith For The Oscar's Slap Even Though The LAPD Inquired

Although Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars ceremony last night was technically battery (not assault), Chris Rock has decided not to press charges following the immensely viral event. According to a statement given to CNN from the LAPD this morning, "LAPD investigative entities are aware of an incident between two individuals during the Academy Awards program. 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."

Chris Rock has declined to file a police report, per LAPD.

— Brian Tyler Cohen (@briantylercohen) March 28, 2022

Even though technically an offense per California state law, the prospect of Rock pressing charges over the slap inspired many humorous reactions and memes on social media. "Over a slap?" some Twitter users remarked. Others joked about forensic evidence of Will Smith's fingerprints left on Chris Rock's face. The LA police department also stated that it had "no details," which many online mocked since the whole thing was nationally televised, leading to many jokes about the statement.

NO DETAILS? LAPD DONT HAVE A TV!!! WHERES THESE BUDGETS GOING?!?!? https://t.co/M0Ztk0ShTG

— nicole byer (@nicolebyer) March 28, 2022

LAPD dusted Chris Rock's face and found fresh prints

— Poppy Byron (@sPaNkGrRrL) March 28, 2022

The LAPD responded to the fight at the Oscars by shooting a gaffer walking to his car.

— Tim Dillon (@TimJDillon) March 28, 2022

Somebody should really buy the LAPD a tv at some point. https://t.co/nQc9lrHvzL

— Stephen Gutowski (@StephenGutowski) March 28, 2022

You can’t say violence is never the answer and then call for the LAPD, a violent gang to arrest Will Smith.

— 🅹🅾🅴🆈աrecκ ☭ (@joeywreck) March 28, 2022

Which dork reporter called the LAPD about this lmao https://t.co/OsJydeh6rs

— Jerry Iannelli (@jerryiannelli) March 28, 2022

After the slap, Will Smith won "Best Actor" and was seen later on dancing at an afterparty. He was also seen crying in a conversation with Tyler Perry and Denzel Washington, shot from a distance where the camera recognizes he is wiping away a tear or two. Both of these details that were later revealed outraged some, who claimed rich people could do anything and get away with it.

Inherently, others thought the outrage was overblown. "Why would the police get involved with something so silly?," one Twitter user asked. "Which dork reporter called the LAPD about this lmao," another tweeted.

So you allowed to commit assault on TV? That’s how you know it’s diff rules for rich ppl. The LAPD would’ve escorted one of us out the side door 🤣🤣🤣 https://t.co/fAQ8Cl2LFS

— Arizona Ron (@MikebHavin) March 28, 2022

white people showing their ass cheering for the FUCKING LAPD TO ARREST A BLACK MAN. LMAO https://t.co/ctVVgkgzz6

— 2 days to ciro day …. (@mesoamericas) March 28, 2022

You can’t say “violence is never the answer” and then in the next sentence call for LAPD to arrest Will Smith.

— Grimes’ Former* Drug Dealer (@cloptinothe) March 28, 2022

Will Smith 'gettin jiggy' at Vanity Fair Oscars party despite slapping Chris Rock https://t.co/RZATx8Y9p6 pic.twitter.com/gtMwWANmHc

— New York Post (@nypost) March 28, 2022

Which dork reporter called the LAPD about this lmao https://t.co/OsJydeh6rs

— Jerry Iannelli (@jerryiannelli) March 28, 2022