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Outpouring of love for Chris Rock after video shows his heartbreaking expression after Will Smith slap

The 'Bad Boys' actor assaulted the veteran comic onstage at the 94th Academy Awards for joking about his wife

Chris Rock has gained the respect of millions across the globe for exercising restraint after being slapped by Will Smith on the Oscars stage. Now, another video has captured the comedian's hurt and somber demeanor in the aftermath of the incident, bringing his fans to tears.

The 'Bad Boys' actor assaulted the veteran comic on stage at the 94th Academy Awards held at Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 27. Rock was on stage to present the award for Best Documentary Film when he joked about Jada's shaved head, which is allegedly a result of her suffering from an autoimmune disease. When Rock said she could star in "G.I. Jane 2", Smith walked onto the stage, slapped Rock in the face, and walked back to his seat. "Keep my wife's name out of your f**king mouth," he yelled at Rock after taking his seat. Smith later apologized for his actions. 

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A video capturing the aftermath of the incident showed Rock trying his best to smile while on stage, but visibly overwhelmed by what had transpired just moments before. "Just your friendly reminder that Will Smith is not the victim here and the @TheAcademy failed @chrisrock horribly," one Twitter user wrote, sharing the clip. "Kudos Chris. You showed remarkable restraint and resilience. I hope this brings great things for you. Moments after the incident…"

Looking at the comments on the clip, it was obvious that Rock had gained as many fans as Smith potentially lost following the Sunday incident. Social media was inundated with praises and adulation for the renowned entertainer. "This makes me so sad. I want to hug him. I hope folks continue to send love to #ChrisRock. Hope The Academy steps up with repercussions for #WillSmith act of violence," one fan tweeted.

"How is he now? That’s all I want to know this man said his life can only be explained like the Shawshank redemption. That slap must have scared the life out of him, memories flooding back the only way he can deal with his past is to become a comedian, and Will Smith is a bully," another wrote.

"And no one came to his defense. It’s like it’s open season and no one cares. Horribly cruel. I loved Smith before this and had mixed feelings about Chris but that’s flipped my opinion. He must be so hurt," a comment read.

"Definitely ruined his night. Imagine. The whole world seeing you get assaulted by someone who you thought you were cool with. Jada and Will are absolutely terrible people," one offered.

"Smith is a 53-year-old man who claims to be a 'work in progress', at what age does he expect to act like a normal adult instead of a petulant spoiled brat? Also, he should have been ejected from the awards/building not 'asked to leave,'" someone else added.

"I’d love @TheAcademy’s Board of Governors to see the shock and trauma on Rock’s face, and yet unbelievably he carried on. He’s the one who deserved a standing ovation. The Academy owes Chris Rock a huge debt," another offered.