picture released, Reuters
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said that the famous American actor Will Smith refused a request to leave the Oscars after he slapped the host, comedian Chris Rock.
The academy noted that it had initiated “disciplinary proceedings” against Smith.
Smith slapped Rock in the face after the latter told a joke about the hair of Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett, who suffers from alopecia areata, which causes hair loss.
For his behavior, Smith apologized, who won the first Oscar in his career at this ceremony.
In a statement, the academy said, “Smith declined a request to leave the party. But we also acknowledge that the situation could have been handled differently.”
The Academy also announced that it had “initiated disciplinary action against Smith for violation of the Academy’s standards of conduct” – including inappropriate, offensive, abusive or threatening physical conduct, or other conduct that would damage the Academy’s standing.
The academy said action could be taken at the first board meeting scheduled for April 18.
This measure may include “expulsion, or other penalties,” according to the academy’s statement.
The Academy also extended a direct apology to The Rock, Academy Award nominees, guests, as well as the party’s audience.
picture released, Getty Images
Chris Rock arrives at a Boston Show
Meanwhile, in his first public comment since the day of the concert, Rock said he was “still evaluating” the situation.
At a stand-up comedy show in Boston, Rock joked to the audience, “How did you spend your weekend?” Before adding: “I’m still evaluating what happened, at some point I’ll talk about it… It might be a serious situation. It might be comical, but now I’m going to tell some jokes.”
And the slapping incident occurred last Sunday night before Smith received the Academy Award for Best Actor, when the comedian rock star was on stage presenting the award for best documentary.
Rock jokingly commented on Pinkett Smith’s shaven head. The joke included a nod to the 1997 movie G.I. Jane, in which actress Demi Moore played a shaven-headed character.
Hearing Rock’s comment, Pinkett rolled her eyes, and Smith seemed to laugh for a moment as he clapped his hands before being seen on stage for Rock.
Rock seemed surprised upon receiving the slap, but told the audience: “That was the greatest night in the history of television.”
In his apology, Smith said his behavior was “unacceptable and unforgivable… I’d like to apologize to you in front of everyone, Chris… I crossed my lines and was wrong.”
