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• Will Smith was asked to leave the 94th Oscars after slapping presenter Chris Rock, but he refused
• Academy has initiated disciplinary proceedings and will decide what action to take, including suspension or expulsion
On Wednesday, Oscars awards host Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said it has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Will Smith for slapping the award show presenter Chris Rock.
The organization said the proceeding was initiated for violating the group’s standards of conduct. On April 18, the board will decide what action it will take, including suspension or expulsion.
“Smith’s actions at the 94th Oscars were a deeply shocking, traumatic event to witness in-person and on television,” The Academy said in its statement.
“Rock, we apologize to you 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.”
Comments from Smith and Rock
On Monday, Smith, on his Instagram account, formally apologized to Rock, calling his behavior “unacceptable and inexcusable.”
He had previously apologized to the Academy and his fellow nominees during his speech on Sunday after receiving the best actor award after the incident.
Fans were hoping Rock, who did not comment, would remark something about the slap on Wednesday night during his first show in Boston since the incident.
In leaked audio from the sold-out show, Rock can be heard saying, “I don’t have a bunch of s--- to say about that.”
He joked with the audience that he had written his latest stand-up show well before the Oscars and said, “I’m still kind of processing what happened.”
Refused to leave
During the latter half of the award ceremony, the incident occurred when Rock told several jokes, one of which was aimed at Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett’s hair, prompted the Oscars’ best actor winner to march up to the stage and slap Rock.
Although ABC cut out the mics just as the two started shouting at each other, uncensored international feeds picked up Smith’s yell.
After being contacted by the Los Angeles Police Department, Rock declined to file a police report on Sunday night. Whether Rock decides to file a complaint later — which has be within six months from the day of the incident — Smith could look at up to six months in jail and a $100,000 fine if found guilty on a misdemeanor charge of assault.
For days audiences have speculated why Smith was not removed from the ceremony after the altercation.
In its press release, the Academy said Smith was asked to leave the ceremony, but he refused and remained at the Dolby Theater to accept the award for best actor.
The Academy said it recognizes “we could have handled the situation differently.”