While the matter seems pretty cut and dry, the already infamous Will Smith and Chris Rock slap is going to take a little time to investigate. A letter to Academy members, per Deadline, indicates that they will “explore further action and consequences” in the wake of the slap heard around the world.
It would appear that the Academy does want to handle this right but it’s also very clear that they condemn the actions of Will Smith, who took to the stage on Oscar night to slap comedian Chris Rock when he made an in-bad-taste joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith. About 45 minutes after the incident, Will Smith took to the stage again after winning Best Actor for King Richard where he tearfully apologized to the Academy and his fellow nominees for his actions. He didn’t apologize to Chris Rock at the time. That apology came a day later in a statement that was released when news went public that the Academy was reviewing the matter. It’s all up in the air in regards to what disciplinary action will take place. While some say he could lose his Oscar, those in the know say that won’t happen, although he could receive a fine or a suspension from the Academy, among other measures. You can check out the full letter sent to Academy members below!
Dear Members,
Sunday’s telecast of the 94th Oscars was meant to be a celebration of the many individuals in our community who did incredible work this past year. We are upset and outraged that those moments were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior on stage by a nominee. To be clear, we condemn Mr. Smith’s actions that transpired Sunday night.
As outlined in our bylaws, the Academy’s Board of Governors will now make a determination on appropriate action for Mr. Smith. As governed by California law regarding members of nonprofit organizations like the Academy, and set forth in our Standards of Conduct, this must follow an official process that will take a few weeks.
We will continue to update you on any developments, but we also ask that you respect your Board, Academy staff and the process as this unfolds so it can work in the considered way it was intended and mandated. Please trust that the Board of Governors will conduct this process in a manner that is both expedient and respectful of all involved while maintaining the standards of the Academy.
Thank you,
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
David Rubin, President
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
Dawn Hudson
CEO
It’s a real slippery slope as to what the Academy can do when it comes to fairly punishing Will Smith for his actions. He’s not the first member of the Academy to display questionable behavior. Social media has pointed to Kevin Spacey, Woody Allen, Roman Polanski, and others who still have their trophies for their work despite scandals that have come to define their careers. That’s why I think Smith will still keep his Oscar because he was awarded for his work on King Richard, and not his conduct on Oscar night. As far as expulsion from the Academy, this has happened to the likes of Harvey Weinstein, which was much deserved considering all of his crimes. Even though I think what Will Smith did was despicable and immature, it doesn’t rise to that level, in my opinion.
What action do you think the Academy will take against Will Smith?