Will Smith’s conduct at Oscars have been ‘condemned,’ & ‘formal review’ of slapping incident has begun

The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences issued a statement on Monday condemning Will Smith, best actor winner conduct after he stormed the stage and struck presenter Chris Rock in the face at the Oscars ceremony on Sunday.

“The Academy condemns the actions of Mr. Smith at last night’s show,” the statement said. “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.”

According to a person familiar with the situation, Academy leadership “strongly considered” pulling Smith from the Oscars programme following the incident.

“Academy leadership strongly considered removing Will Smith from last night’s broadcast following the incident. There were immediate discussions but the Academy decision makers were seated in various spots in the Dolby Theater and couldn’t mobilize to make a decision before he won best actor,” the source said.

During his acceptance speech for best actor, Smith apologised to the Academy and his fellow nominees.

Following the ceremony, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences issued a brief statement about the on-stage incident, which read: “The Academy does not condone violence of any form. Tonight we are delighted to celebrate our 94th Academy Awards winners, who deserve this moment of recognition from their peers and movie lovers around the world.”

According to two persons familiar with the meeting, at least a dozen members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the body behind the Oscars, met electronically on Monday morning to debate a response to Smith hitting Rock.

“Heated” and “divided” was how the gathering was described. According to the sources, there was no agreement on how to proceed.

The dozen members who convened on their own initiative are described as powerful and well-known Academy members, including actors and directors.

The committee has no disciplinary authority, but they are deemed high-profile enough that the Academy’s Board of Governors could be influenced in their response.

On the conversation, some participants claimed that the Academy handled the matter incorrectly with its original tweet. According to CNN’s sources, some people believe the incident was handled well and that no additional action should be taken.

It’s unclear whether the Academy’s top brass will convene to examine the extraordinary situation. CNN has reached out to the Academy for comment.

The Board of Governors of the Academy has the authority to sanction members who break the code of conduct by voting for suspension or expulsion from the Academy.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Rock elected not to seek charges against Smith after the onstage confrontation.

Smith’s agents have been contacted by CNN for comment.

The Academy has around 9,000 voting members, most of whom are Hollywood actors and executives.

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