Oscar incident: Will Smith faces disciplinary proceedings by Academy

Hollywood actor Will Smith has been facing disciplinary proceedings by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences following the Oscar incident in which he had slapped Chris Rock.

The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences announced on Wednesday initiating the disciplinary proceedings against Will Smith, CNN reported.

“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,” the organization behind the Oscars said in a statement.

The statement also claims that Smith was asked to leave the ceremony after the incident “and refused.” The Academy said it recognizes “we could have handled the situation differently.”

Smith has come under fire in recent days after he stormed the stage on Sunday and slapped presenter Chris Rock after Rock made a joke about Smith’s wife, actress Jada Pinkett Smith.

Nadia Hussain supports Will Smith’s act on Oscar stage

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

Another board meeting is set to take place on April 18, at which time, “the Academy may take any disciplinary action, which may include suspension, expulsion, or other sanctions permitted by the Bylaws and Standards of Conduct,” the statement said.

“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 statement said.

Joke about Jada Pinkett Smith

Chris Rock and Will Smith had an altercation during the 2022 Oscar telecast. Rock appeared on stage to present the Oscar for documentary feature and made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith being in “G.I. Jane” because of her shaved head, Variety reported.

Smith then took the stage to slap Rock. Although it appeared to be a joke at first, Smith returned to his seat and yelled at Rock, “Keep my wife’s name out of your ********** mouth!”

Chris Rock made a joke about Will Smith’s wife, Jada being in “G.I. Jane” because of her bald head.

Will Smith went up to the stage, and slapped Chris Rock.pic.twitter.com/2BSVxERB6E

— LetsOTT Global (@LetsOTT) March 28, 2022

Many in the Oscars audience appeared stunned at the altercation. Diddy was the next presenter during the ceremony, where he appeared to introduce the 50th-anniversary celebration of “The Godfather.” Diddy addressed the situation by saying, “Will and Chris, we’re going to solve this like family. Right now we’re moving on with love. Everybody make some noise.”

Will Smith apology

Will Smith wrote his apology on Instagram, saying, “Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are a part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally.”

“I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.”

 

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A post shared by Will Smith (@willsmith)

“I would also like to apologize to the Academy, the producers of the show, all the attendees and everyone watching around the world. I would like to apologize to the Williams Family and my King Richard Family. I deeply regret that my behavior has stained what has been an otherwise gorgeous journey for all of us.”