The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Wednesday that it was beginning disciplinary proceedings against Will Smith for slapping Chris Rock during the Academy Awards on Sunday night.
Members of the academy’s board of governors met Wednesday to begin the disciplinary proceedings and discuss consequences, including suspension, expulsion, or other sanctions, that could be levied against the actor. According to the academy’s Board of Governors, Smith violated the academy’s code of conduct when he assaulted Rock.
“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,” the academy said in a statement obtained by the Hollywood Reporter.
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The academy also said they initially asked Smith to leave after the incident but that he refused. Smith was allowed to return to the stage an hour later to accept his first career Oscar after winning best actor for his role in King Richard.
“Things unfolded in a way we could not have anticipated,” the academy said. “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 academy said Smith will be given a 15-day notice before a vote occurs and is also allowed to submit a written defense before the next academy meeting April 18.
The slap, which has garnered global attention, occurred after Rock made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, having a shaved head, quipping that it looked like she was starring in a G.I. Jane sequel. In reality, Pinkett Smith’s shaved head is due to alopecia.
Smith publicly apologized to Rock on Monday for slapping him, stating that a joke at the expense of his wife’s medical condition caused him to react 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. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness,” Smith said. “Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable.”
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Smith additionally apologized to the academy, viewers, producers, and attendees for the “stain” of his behavior on an otherwise “gorgeous journey.”
Rock said he will not be filing a police report against Smith.
