Three things.
Will smith bitch slapping Chris Rock straight after making a joke about his wife makes him a man. He defended his wifes honor after laughing at the joke then seeing how his wife took offense decides to then bitch slap the joker.
Chris Rock on telling a joke and gets bitch slap tells you the pub scenario, if you piss someone off you will get your smacked the fuck out. Nothing is gained or lost turning the other cheek when you are pissed at someone's off handed statement.
Assault on live TV in America is no longer a criminal offence. In the lose of control on Will Smiths part the law in America seems to not work any more. Yes I think he did what was right inside of them but vigilantism in America especially when you commit violence is a crime I think. Reading the California penal code this would be assault and battery on live TV. I think the person that took that assault doesn't even have to sue for the assailant to get charged with a criminal offense because the act of suing for the assault is a civil matter not criminal.