The Academy launches formal review of Will Smith's altercation during ceremony

(L-R) Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith attend the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on March 27, 2022 in Hollywood, California.
(L-R) Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith attend the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on March 27, 2022 in Hollywood, California. Photo credit Mike Coppola/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES (KNX) – The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences officially condemned actor Will Smith after he slapped presenter and comedian Chris Rock onstage during the broadcast ceremony.

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“The Academy condemns the actions of Mr. Smith at last night’s show,” the Academy said. “We have officially started a formal review around the incident and will explore further action and consequences in accordance with out Bylaws, Standards of Conduct and California law.”

During the 2022 Academy Awards, Chris Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, saying, “Can’t wait for G.I. Jane 2.”

Pinkett Smith revealed in the past she suffers from alopecia and had shaved her head.

Smith was seen approaching the stage and smacked the 57-year-old comedian. Smith then told Rock, “Keep my wife’s name out of your f****** mouth!”

Smith's remarks were censored during the broadcast.

When Smith won Best Actor for his role in “King Richard”, he said, “I want to apologize to the Academy. I want to apologize to all of my fellow nominees.”

The Academy tweeted after the ceremony, “The Academy does not condone violence of any form.”

Rock declined to file a police report.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Mike Coppola/Getty Images