Academy says Will Smith refused to leave Oscars after slapping incident

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Will Smith was asked to leave the Oscars ceremony after slapping Chris Rock, but he refused, the Academy said.
• The organization also said it has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Smith.
• The board of governors has the authority to suspend or expel members who violate the Academy’s code of conduct.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences released a statement Wednesday saying Will Smith refused to leave the 94th Oscars ceremony after he was asked. This was after the actor slapped comedian Chris Rock.

“Things unfolded in a way we could not have anticipated,” the statement 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.” 

The Academy then talked about Smith’s actions at the Oscars as “a deeply shocking, traumatic event to witness in-person and on television.” The organization apologized to Rock “for what you experienced on our stage and thank you for your resilience in that moment.”

“We also apologize to our nominees, guests and viewers for what transpired during what should have been a celebratory event,” the statement said.

Disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against Smith for violating the Academy’s code of conduct, “including inappropriate physical contact, abusive or threatening behavior, and compromising the integrity of the Academy.” 

The Academy’s formal review of the slapping incident “will take a few weeks” and must “follow an official process.”

“Sunday’s telecast of the 94th Oscars was meant to be a celebration of the many individuals in our community who did incredible work this past year. We are upset and outraged that those moments were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior on stage by a nominee,” the letter read. “To be clear, we condemn Mr. Smith’s actions that transpired Sunday night.”

“As outlined in our bylaws, the Academy’s Board of Governors will now make a determination on appropriate action for Mr. Smith,” they wrote. “As governed by California law regarding members of nonprofit organizations like the Academy, and set forth in our Standards of Conduct, this must follow an official process that will take a few weeks.”

It’s not clear what possible punishment Smith could be facing but the board of governors has the authority to suspend or expel members who violate the organization’s code of conduct or “compromise the integrity” of the academy.

On Monday, Whoopi Goldberg said there will be consequences but added the Academy would not strip Smith of the Best Actor award he won rminutes minutes after the incident. Goldberg serves on the Academy’s Board of Governors.

Rock did not press charges against Smith, the Los Angeles Police Department said Sunday.

Smith apologized to both Rock and the Academy on Tuesday, saying his actions were “unacceptable and inexcusable,” and admitted he was “out of line” and “wrong.”

Source: CBS News