Will Smith Has Until April 18 to Respond to Oscars Board, May Be Suspended, Expelled
When Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at The Oscars, many thought the Academy and Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ response was too little too late. The Academy tweeted a condemnation of violence and promised to open an investigation into the incident. On Wednesday, the Academy put their money where their mouth is with details on the actions Smith could face. Smith could be suspended or expelled from the Academy.
Will Smith has until April 18 to respond
Some have debated whether Smith should lose his Oscar. Many, like Whoopi Goldberg, don’t suggest taking away his Best Actor win for King Richard. However, the Academy will consider suspending or expelling Smith from the Academy of which he is a member. They are also giving Smith time to respond.
“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 Academy said in a statement, via Variety. “At the next board meeting on April 18, the Academy may take any disciplinary action, which may include suspension, expulsion, or other sanctions permitted by the Bylaws and Standards of Conduct.”
Will Smith refused to leave the Oscars
During the commercial break after the slap, celebrities in attendance from Denzel Washington to Tyler Perry came over to consult with Smith. Smith’s publicist was also, obviously, seen in the huddle. The Academy states that they did ask Smith to leave following the incident, which would have meant missing the Best Actor award.
“Mr. Smith’s actions at the 94th Oscars were a deeply shocking, traumatic event to witness in-person and on television,” The Academy said in their statemetn. “Things unfolded in a way we could not have anticipated. 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.”
Smith faces disciplinary proceedings for violating the Academy’s Standards of Conduct. “Inappropriate physical contact, abusive or threatening behavior, and compromising the integrity of the Academy” are among violations. Smith also screamed, “Keep my wife’s name out of your f***ing mouth” twice. Sound was removed from U.S. broadcasts but aired unedited abroad.
The Academy apologizes to Chris Rock
Rock continued with the show, commenting it was “the greatest night in the history of television.” Smith published an apology to Rock on his Instagram on March 28. Now, The Academy also extends its apologies to its presenter, who hosted the Oscars himself in the past.
“Mr. Rock, we apologize to you for what you experienced on our stage and thank you for your resilience in that moment,” The Academy said. “We also apologize to our nominees, guests and viewers for what transpired during what should have been a celebratory event.”
