What next, Will Smith?

UPDATE: Will Smith issued a public, but not personal, apology.

Did you hear what Will Smith said?

No, not the F bomb he dropped on Chris Rock — twice. Maybe he repeated it because there were hearing-impaired actors in the audience?

Maybe not.

I am referring to Smith recollecting words of advice given to him by Denzel Washington, that when you are at the peak of your success, that’s when the devil will grab you.

That was a prophecy, because that’s what happened on the night of Smith’s greatest success, winning the Oscar for Best Actor.

The one-time Fresh Prince, everyone’s favorite (clean) rapper turned action-cum-dramatic actor, went ugly and committed a Black-on-Black criminal assault on national international television.

The reaction was all over the place, but as I checked it, most were against Smith.

Before proceeding, I’ve got to say “no” to those who thought it was a hoax, or a publicity stunt.

This was not a Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunction.

If it were a hoax or PR stunt, that supposes Smith and Rock coordinated what would happen, and conspired.

If you break down what happened, and I recorded it, you see impulse, but not hoax.

When Rock finished the “G.I. Jane” joke, Smith laughed out loud. At the same moment, his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, frowned, and then grimaced.

That was the moment Smith marched to the stage, interrupting the show and putting me in mind of the moronic Kanye West grabbing a mic from Taylor Swift at the Video Music Awards in 2009, in “defense” of Beyonce.

Male toxicity — or ego?

Had this been planned, Smith would have been righteously indignant from the jump.

Also, neither Rock, nor the Smiths need publicity — they are huge stars, with more money and fame than they can handle.

Despite the opinion of some viewers that Rock did not miss a beat, the tape shows he stuttered for a moment and lost his place. He recovered quickly, probably because as a veteran standup, he knows how to handle a heckler.

And that is the proper response to a joke you don’t like — you boo, you hiss, you can even cat call or walk out, but you don’t lay your hands on a performer.

It’s as if the devil laid his hand on Smith, whose acceptance speech 40 minutes later rang very hollow when he talked about him being a vessel of love for his people.

What people are those?

He apologized to the Academy and the other nominees.

He did not apologize to Rock, nor has he as I write this Monday night.

The Academy condemned his behavior and is investigating and may punish the star.

Show biz observers say it could rescind his Oscar, but I don’t see how. That was earned in a film performance, and had nothing to do with his ceremonial conduct. 

They could kick him out of the Academy, or suspend his membership for a time. 

I suspect a slap on the wrist.

Rock has wisely declined to press charges against Smith. 

To lay the matter to rest, Smith should call Rock personally and privately to apologize, and then let Rock announce that the phone call was made and the apology is accepted.

All it takes is for Smith to get out of his short pants and man up.

And heed Denzel.