Will Smith “wasn’t formally asked to leave” the Oscars 2022 ceremony after he slapped Chris Rock, it has been claimed.
Despite previous claims from The Academy, which state they formally asked Will to leave the event following the infamous incident, new reports suggest that this is incorrect.
Inside sources told Variety that some Academy members wanted Will removed but said that there was no formal or explicit ask for him to leave the ceremony.
The source said that Oscars producer Will Packer was “key” in Will staying in the audience as he approached him soon after the slap to explain that those in the production “officially” wanted him to stay, something other sources have denied.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Following the blowout, The Academy launched an investigation into what happened and announced that they had “initiated disciplinary proceedings against Mr Smith for violations of the Academy’s Standards of Conduct”.
It follows a statement issued by Oscars bosses who condemned his actions on Wednesday, stating that he was “asked to leave” the ceremony, but “refused”.
It read: “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.”
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The kick-off began when comedian Chris joked about Jada Pinkett Smith’s buzzcut, quipping: “Jada, can’t wait for GI Jane 2.”
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 from alopecia.
Chris said he would not press charges against Will, but people asked why Will was able to remain seated in the audience after the incident.
Will is able to defend himself in written form before the board meets on April 18.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Wanda Sykes, who hosted the ceremony with Amy Schumer and Regina Hall, says she is still “traumatized” over the King Richard star’s actions.
Discussing the incident during an appearance on the Ellen Show, she said: “I just felt so awful for my friend Chris. It was sickening. I physically felt ill and I’m still a little traumatized by it.
“And for them to let him [Will] stay in that room and enjoy the rest of the show and accept his award, I was like, ‘How gross is this? This is just the wrong message’.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
