The Academy behind the Oscars has released a statement regarding Will Smith’s assault on Chris Rock, which took place in the middle of their awards ceremony. New pieces of information include the Academy starting disciplinary proceedings against Will Smith for “inappropriate physical contact, abusive or threatening behavior, and compromising the integrity of the Academy.” He will have a chance to respond.
However the big news is that the Academy tried to remove Smith from the ceremony after his attack but refused to leave. It’s clear now that Smith should have his Oscar removed. There is no situation in which you should keep an award given in a ceremony in which you attacked someone who was simply speaking, and then throw your weight around and refused to budge after.
Here is the Academy’s statement:
“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.
Consistent with the Academy’s Standards of Conduct, as well as California law, Mr. Smith is being provided at least 15 days’ notice of a vote regarding his violations and sanctions and the opportunity to be heard beforehand by means of a written response. At the next board meeting on April 18, the Academy may take any disciplinary action, which may include suspension, expulsion, or other sanctions permitted by the Bylaws and Standards of Conduct.
Mr. Smith’s actions at the 94th Oscars were a deeply shocking, traumatic event to witness in-person and on television. Mr. Rock, we apologize to you for what you experienced on our stage and thank you for your resilience in that moment. We also apologize to our nominees, guests and viewers for what transpired during what should have been a celebratory event.
Things unfolded in a way we could not have anticipated. 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.”
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