Will Smith’s 1989 Mugshot For Heinous Assault Resurfaces After Oscars Incident

Chris Rock has remained silent throughout the scandal that has erupted during the 94th Academy Awards. Will Smith slapped the famed comic icon in the face in a shocking clash at the Oscars, and the video of the incident has been shown and repeated across the world. It seems Will’s dark past resurfaced as a result of the limelight.

Following his slapping of Chris Rock at the Academy Awards, one particularly heinous episode from Will Smith’s history has resurfaced. That was the period when the future Oscar winner was jailed in Philadelphia in 1989, when he was 20 years old, for an alleged savage attack.

Will was allegedly involved in an altercation that left a man nearly blind in one eye, according to the National Enquirer. The attack is said to have occurred shortly after the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star got his first rap Grammy, which he shared with DJ Jazzy Jeff.

According to a police report, Smith instructed his security, Charles Alston, to attack record promoter William Hendricks, who required six stitches after the incident damaged his left eye orbit. Aggravated assault, criminal conspiracy, simple assault, and recklessly harming another person were among the allegations levelled against the future superstar, although they were ultimately dropped.

This does not appear to be a particularly important circumstance. Not only was the alleged violence over three decades ago, but it wasn’t even carried out by Will. However, it may provide insight into how the actor is feeling in the aftermath of the new occurrence. A source told the magazine about the 1989 fallout.

Will had to spend a night in the cell at the West Philadelphia police station with other inmates waking him up all night long and asking for his autograph. It was the worst night of his life. He wants to forget it ever happened.

Despite the fact that some on social media are congratulating Will for protecting his wife, the Academy isn’t going to let him off the hook. According to Variety, the Academy’s Board of Governors had an emergency meeting earlier this week to address the penalties for the best actor winner, and he now faces “suspension, expulsion, or other sanctions permitted.” As a result, Will may not be able to come out of this situation unhurt.

What’s your take on this story? Sound off in the comments!

Image via Philadelphia Police Dept.