Oscars 2022 organisers asked Will Smith, 53, to leave the Academy Awards following his incident with Chris Rock but the actor refused to.
The Academy has started their inquiry into the incident which occurred after Chris, 57, made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s hair.
Their statement read: “‘The 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.
“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.”
The kick-off began when comedian Chris joked about Jada’s, 50, buzzcut, quipping: “Jada, can’t wait for GI Jane 2.”
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Will – who went on to win Best Actor later in the evening – walked up to the stage and slapped the presenter, before returning to his seat and yelling: “Keep my wife’s name out of your f****** mouth.”
Jada shaves her hair as she suffers with alopecia.
Chris said he will not press charges against Will but people asked why Will was able to remain seated in the audience after the incident.
The Academy has since set the record straight.
The Academy’s board of governors met Wednesday (March 30) to initiate disciplinary proceedings against the actor for violations against the group’s standards of conduct.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Organisers said he has the opportunity to defend himself in a written response before the board meets again on April 18.
The academy said disciplinary action for Will could include suspension, expulsion or other sanctions.
They issued another statement which read: “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.
“We also apologize to our nominees, guests and viewers for what transpired during what should have been a celebratory event.”
Will Smith took to Instagram 24 hours after the incident to issue an apology to Chris, the Academy, and everyone watching around the world for his behaviour during the ceremony.
(Image: Getty Images)
In the statement, Will said: “Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive.
“My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes a 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.”
Will Smith won the prestigious Best Actor award at this year’s Oscars for his portrayal of Richard Williams in King Richard.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
