The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Wednesday began “disciplinary proceedings” against Will Smith for his behavior at the Oscars. The Academy also revealed that Smith was asked to leave the show but refused to do so after slapping Chris Rock onstage during the ceremony.
The actor’s actions were in violation of the Academy’s Standards of Conduct, “including inappropriate physical contact, abusive or threatening behavior, and compromising the integrity of the Academy,” according to a statement released after a Board of Governors meeting.
Smith could face suspension, expulsion or other sanctions if the board chooses to take action at the next scheduled meeting on April 18, the statement said.
“Things unfolded in a way we could not have anticipated,” the Academy said. “While we would like to clarify that Mr. Smith was asked to leave the ceremony and refused, we also recognize we could have handled the situation differently.”
For the unversed, while presenting the best documentary feature at the Oscars, comedian Chris Rock made a joke about Will Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head.
Rock said he couldn’t wait to see Pinkett Smith, who has alopecia, star in ‘G.I. Jane 2’ which led Smith to go up on stage and slap Rock. Smith returned to his seat and shouted, “Keep my wife’s name out of your fu**ing mouth!”
After severe backlash including from the Academy, Smith took to Instagram on Monday to apologise to Rock. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that Rock declined to press charges against what happened at the Oscars 2022 ceremony.
