The plot thickens after Will Smith tarnished his well-crafted public image after slapping Chris Rock on stage at the Academy Awards. Despite apologizing to the Academy and his fellow nominees during his Best Actor acceptance speech and issuing an Instagram apology that included Chris Rock the next day, we’re learning more and more about what happened on the night following the slap and it does not look good for Will Smith.
As the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is making it clear that potential “suspension” or “expulsion” is a possibility for Smith after the incident, their new statement on the matter also reveals that the actor was asked to leave the Dolby Theatre after striking Chris Rock but he refused. In fact, according to TMZ, the two Academy officials who asked Smith to leave were David Rubin, the President of the Academy, and Dawn Hudson, the CEO. Apparently, they were “furious” at the actor and there was a lot of “yelling” and “heated conversations” backstage with Will’s reps after everything went down. The Academy took a lot of flack for not asking Will Smith to leave but, as it turns out, they did ask him to. They’re still getting it from the public who believe that his refusal should’ve possibly involved security getting in the mix to escort him out. They acknowledge this tidbit in their latest statement by saying “we could have handled the situation differently.” You can check out their latest statement below!
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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
There are also other interesting things on the table in regards to Will Smith. According to Deadline, even though Chris Rock refused to press charges against the actor, the Academy could decide to do so. They could also contact other parties related to the incident but Rock likely won’t be asked to participate in that matter. It was also revealed that several members of the Board of Governors did not know that Smith was asked to leave the ceremony but refused. This revelation shocked some of the members during their virtual meeting, per Deadline.
What do YOU think the Academy will do in terms of punishment for Will Smith?