(CNN) The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has "initiated disciplinary proceedings" against actor Will Smith over his actions at Sunday's Oscars, the group announced on Wednesday.
"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.
"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."
finestartlover on March 30th, 2022 at 23:46 UTC »
I have a difficult time believing they really asked him to leave.
I could imagine them suggesting it as the best option for him. And now that they see which way the winds are blowing they're saying they asked him to leave and he refused.
But if they sincerely wanted him to leave, they wouldn't have let him stay and accept the Oscar and give a speech.
If you ask somebody to leave and they stay, you're accepting it. Otherwise it's trespassing, and you can call the police. And I'm sure there were already police on the premises just given that it's the Oscars.
So it was probably more some producer trying to smooth the situation over, and maybe said something like, if you want to leave it's OK, and we'll cover for you, etc. I imagine they were at that point still trying to do what was best for him and themselves, knowing they'd be announcing his probable win.
ladeedah1988 on March 30th, 2022 at 22:52 UTC »
They will just say "we condemn the use of violence in all circumstances".
clogandent03 on March 30th, 2022 at 22:30 UTC »
The Academy disciplinary proceedings will conclude with a long, firm, tantamount case of “waiting it out”.