Topline
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences asked actor Will Smith to leave the Oscars after he slapped comedian Chris Rock last weekend, but Smith refused, the organization said in a statement Wednesday that announced disciplinary proceedings against the actor.
Will Smith accepts the best actor Oscar for “King Richard” during the 94th Annual Academy Awards at , [+]
Key Facts
In its statement, the Academy acknowledged “we could have handled the situation differently.”
The Academy may take steps including suspending, expelling or otherwise sanctioning Smith for violating the organization’s standards of conduct, which prohibit “inappropriate physical contact, abusive or threatening behavior, and compromising the integrity of the Academy.”
The Academy called the incident “a deeply shocking, traumatic event to witness in-person and on television,” praising Rock for his self-possessed response to the attack.
The Academy apologized to Rock and to award nominees, guests and viewers for the incident.
The organization’s board of governors next meets April 18, at which point disciplinary action may take place, the Academy said.
Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith attend the 2022 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Radhika Jones at , [+]
Credit: www.forbes.com /