Academy condemns Will Smith for slapping Chris Rock at Oscars, launches ‘formal review’
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Will Smith
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences condemned actor Will Smith for slapping comedian Chris Rock during Sunday’s Oscars broadcast, saying that it’s reviewing the matter.
“The Academy condemns the actions of Mr. Smith at last night’s show,” the Academy said in a statement on Monday.
“We have officially started a formal review around the incident and will explore further action and consequences in accordance with our bylaws, standards of conduct and California law.”
Smith, who went on to win his first Oscar for best actor later in the night, responded to a joke regarding his wife by getting on stage and hitting Rock. During the award presentation for best documentary feature, Rock said he was excited for Jada Pinkett Smith to star in “G.I. Jane 2,” referring to her shaved head.
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In 2018, Pinkett Smith revealed she was diagnosed with alopecia, a condition that causes hair loss.
The Academy allowed Smith to go on stage and give a speech after the slap, when he won the best actor award for his portrayal of Richard Williams in “King Richard.”
The organization says it will now look at potential consequences.
Rock kept his composure following the incident at the Dolby Theatre, joking that it was the “greatest night in the history of television.”
He declined to press charges, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
