According to a statement from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, actor Will Smith refused to leave the Oscars ceremony Sunday after striking comedian Chris Rock.
As revealed in The Hollywood Reporter, the Academy issued a statement announcing its intentions to proceed with disciplinary action against Will Smith. The statement read, in part, "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." It then revealed Smith's refusal to leave by stating, "Mr. Smith was asked to leave the ceremony and refused, [but] we also recognize we could have handled the situation differently." The Academy went on to apologize to Rock specifically, as well as the nominees, guests and viewers from home.
The Academy Board of Governors declared their intention to start disciplinary proceedings due to Smith violating the Academy's Standards of Conduct. Smith will receive a 15-day notice of the final vote and be allowed an opportunity to respond to the case in writing. At the next board meeting, scheduled for April 18, the Academy may take action against Smith, which could include "suspension, expulsion, or other sanctions permitted by the Bylaws and Standards of Conduct."
It was previously reported that the Academy considered removing Will Smith from the ceremony, but this is the first report that Smith was asked to leave and declined. Two days ago, the Academy announced its intention to formally review the case against Smith with the possibility of further consequences. In that statement, the Academy condemned Smith's actions.
Following the incident at the Oscars, several members of Hollywood's elite criticized Will Smith for the incident. Comedians, in particular, expressed their ire and disgust over the situation. In an interview with Gayle King, Jim Carrey said that the incident left him "sickened" and called out the Academy for being cowards by applauding Smith when he received his Oscar. Kathy Griffen also expressed concern and feared that the lack of action against Will Smith for the assault on Rock might lead to future incidents of violence against comedians.
Will Smith apologized for his actions in an Instagram post this week. "My behavior at last night's Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable," Smith said in the formal apology posted to the site. After apologizing to Rock directly, he said, "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."
Source: The Hollywood Reporter