The Academy has begun “disciplinary proceedings” against Will Smith in the aftermath of him slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars on Sunday.
On Wednesday, The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences released a statement which also revealed Smith was asked to leave the ceremony but “refused.”
“The Board of Governors today initiated disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Smith for violations of the Academy’s Standards of Conduct, including inappropriate physical contact, abusive or threatening behavior, and compromising the integrity of the Academy,” read The Academy’s statement, per The Hollywood Reporter. “Consistent with the Academy’s Standards of Conduct, as well as California law, Mr. Smith is being provided at least 15 days’ notice of a vote regarding his violations and sanctions, and the opportunity to be heard beforehand by means of a written response.”
The board will meet on April 18th, where they could take disciplinary action “which may include suspension, expulsion, or other sanctions permitted by the Bylaws and Standards of Conduct.”
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The Academy also officially apologized to Chris Rock.
“Mr. Smith’s actions at the 94th Oscars were a deeply shocking, traumatic event to witness in-person and on television. Mr. Rock, we apologize to you for what you experienced on our stage and thank you for your resilience in that moment,” the statement continued. “We also apologize to our nominees, guests and viewers for what transpired during what should have been a celebratory event. Things unfolded in a way we could not have anticipated.”
To put an end to any debate, The Academy clarified Smith was asked to leave following his attack on Rock.
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“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.”
It is unclear if Smith was asked to leave before or after accepting his Oscar for Best Actor.
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