The Academy also mentioned that they might take disciplinary action against Smith at their next meeting, which may include suspension, expulsion or other sanctions
This year’s Academy Awards certainly got people talking, although mostly for the wrong reasons. Will Smith’s altercation with Chris Rock became the main topic of discussion,and the Academy recently released a statement saying that they were considering disciplinary action against Smith.
According to a report in The Hollywood Reporter, the Academy’s board of governors met recently, and had started disciplinary proceedings against the actor for violating its code of conduct. Smith would be given an opportunity to submit a written statement in response. The Academy’s next board meeting is scheduled to take place on April 18, where they would decide whether or not to take action against Smith, which may include suspension, expulsion or other sanctions
The statement also said that Smith had been asked to leave the ceremony, and had refused to do so. It also included an apology to Rock, the nominees, guests and viewers for the incident, which it referred to as ‘a deeply shocking, traumatic event.’
A source also told the portal that there was ‘unanimous’ support from most board members about taking action against Smith, calling it ‘an assault on the community.’
Rock, who was slapped by Smith for a joke he made about Jada Pinkett Smith, recently said that he was still processing what had happened. Rock has refused to press charges against Smith.
Smith, who won his first Academy Award for King Richard at this year’s ceremony, also issued a statement in response to the incident. The actor apologised for his actions, to Rock and to the Academy, saying that his actions were ‘unacceptable and inexcusable’.
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