Will Smith has sought professional help after striking Chris Rock across the face at this year’s Oscars, according to reports.
The Men In Black actor “has been going to therapy after the Oscars incident,” a source told Entertainment Tonight.
It follows reports that the 53-year-old fled to a retreat in India last month where People magazine claims he was focusing on spirituality, yoga and meditation in the wake of the fall out.
The Philadelphia-born star sent shockwaves through the showbiz world when he got up on stage at the Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, on March 27 and assualted Chris Rock.
The comedian had been telling a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, making fun of her hair.
Pinkett Smith suffers from the hairloss condition alopecia and Rock compared her to GI Jane - a character with shaved hair.
This didn’t sit right with Smith who first slapped Rock and then on returning to his seat, told him twice “keep my wife’s name out of you f***ing mouth”.
Smith has since apologised to Rock on social media, but has reportedly not reach out to him in person.
The board of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which organises the Oscars, has since punished him for his outburst by banning him from attending any Academy events, including the Oscars, for 10 years.
Oscars 2022: Will Smith’s Night at the Oscars - In Pictures
He will however get to keep his Best Actor Oscar which he won shortly after the incident for his role in King Richard.
The Standard has contacted a representative for Will Smith for comment.
