Chris Rock could sue Will Smith and Oscar bosses for “humiliation” after he was slapped on stage.
King Richard star Smith, 53, stormed out of his seat at the awards bash and hit the comic, 57, for making a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith, who suffers from alopecia.
Though Rock has not pressed criminal charges he could take civil action against both Smith and Academy Awards chiefs.
Top Beverly Hills attorney Adam Michael Sacks said: “He could sue Will for public humiliation and embarrassment.
“He could say the assault hurt his confidence and career.
(Image: Getty)
“They would likely settle an amount instead of going to trial. Chris could even sue the Academy. He can say they didn’t provide proper security for him.
“As a performer on stage he could argue he should have been protected.”
After the incident, a weepy Smith collected the best actor gong for his role as the dad of tennis-playing Williams sisters Serena and Venus in King Richard. But Academy chiefs could yet strip him of his award.
(Image: WireImage)
The board are due to meet tonight to discuss what, if any, action is to be taken regarding Smith’s assault, while they could also sue him for wrecking the 94th Academy Awards.
Mr Sacks added: “They can claim he did damage to their production. It would have to be a financial loss. Like he diminished their product by his behaviour and other celebrities may be nervous to go next year because of the lack of security.”
The former Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star later apologised on Instagram, admitting he was embarrassed by his “unacceptable and inexcusable” behaviour.
But old footage has surfaced of him once taking a dig at bald bassist John B Williams, saying: “He’s got a rule. He’s gotta wax his head every day. That’s a rule.”
Jada, 50, Smith’s wife of 24 years, yesterday posted a message on Instagram, which read: “This is a season for healing and I’m here for it.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
