Stunned social media users expressed shock and disbelief after a video of Hollywood actor Will Smith striking comedian and presenter Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars went viral on Sunday.

Rock, who was on the Oscar’s stage to present the award for best documentary made a few jokes about the members of the audience, including Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith – referring her as “G.I. Jane” for her closely cropped hair. Rock earned an eye roll from the actress on the remark.

Pinkett Smith revealed her battle with alopecia back in 2018 on her show Red Table Talk. She had described her experience with the disease as “terrifying.”

Shortly after Rock made the joke, Smith shocked the audiences by walking to the stage and slapping the comedian hard across his face. He then went back to his seat and shouted, “Keep my wife’s name out of your mouth.”

Reacting to the slap, a stunned Rock said, “Will Smith just smacked me.”

“Wow dude, it was a G.I. Jane joke,” he added.

The comedian then proceeded to present the documentary award. After Rock got off stage, Sean Diddy Combs came on stage to introduce a video montage for the 50th anniversary of The Godfather, and said, “I didn’t know that this year was going to be the most exciting Oscars ever! Okay, Will, Chris—we’re going to solve that like family. But right now, we’re moving on with love.”

During a commercial break, Smith was pulled aside by Denzel Washington and Tyler Perry, who calmed him down and asked him to brush it off.

Smith who won the best actor award later in the night apologized to the academy for his act. He didn’t address Rock in his speech. “I want to apologise to the Academy. I want to apologise to all my fellow nominees. This is a beautiful moment and I’m not crying for winning an award. It’s not about winning an award for me. It’s about being able to shine a light on all of the people,” he said.

According to the Los Angeles police department, Rock has refused to press charges for the assault against Smith.

The most unscripted moment of the 2022 Oscars caused a firestorm on social media.

Some people failed to comprehend how Smith mood switched so quickly.

The Oscars’ moment unearthed a meme gold mine for the internet.

Some people called out the awards’ management for not taking action against Smith for assaulting a presenter.

Meanwhile others appreciated Smith for standing up for his wife and defending a “Black woman.”

LA Times columnist Harry Litman has a message for everyone sympathising with Smith.