Will Smith was requested to depart the Oscars after slapping Chris Rock, however he refused, the Academy of Movement Image Arts and Sciences stated in a press release Wednesday.
"Issues unfolded in a manner we couldn't have anticipated," the assertion stated. "Whereas we wish to make clear that Mr. Smith was requested to depart the ceremony and refused, we additionally acknowledge we may have dealt with the scenario in a different way."
"Mr. Smith's actions on the 94th Oscars have been a deeply surprising, traumatic occasion to witness in-person and on tv. Mr. Rock, we apologize to you for what you skilled on our stage and thanks on your resilience in that second," the assertion added. "We additionally apologize to our nominees, company and viewers for what transpired throughout what ought to have been a celebratory occasion."
The Academy additionally stated it has initiated disciplinary proceedings towards Smith for violating its code of conduct, "together with inappropriate bodily contact, abusive or threatening habits, and compromising the integrity of the Academy."
The Academy's president and CEO stated in a letter to its members, obtained by CBS Information, that its formal assessment of Smith's Oscars slap "will take a couple of weeks." David Rubin and Daybreak Hudson famous the assessment should "observe an official course of."
"Sunday's telecast of the 94th Oscars was meant to be a celebration of the numerous people in our neighborhood who did unimaginable work this previous yr. We're upset and outraged that these moments have been overshadowed by the unacceptable and dangerous habits on stage by a nominee," the letter learn. "To be clear, we condemn Mr. Smith's actions that transpired Sunday night time."
"As outlined in our bylaws, the Academy's Board of Governors will now make a dedication on applicable motion for Mr. Smith," they wrote. "As ruled by California regulation concerning members of nonprofit organizations just like the Academy, and set forth in our Requirements of Conduct, this should observe an official course of that can take a couple of weeks."
The letter didn't elaborate on what potential punishment Smith might be dealing with for slapping Rock within the face whereas the comic was presenting an award and subsequently yelling for him to "maintain my spouse's identify out of your f***ing mouth."
The board has the authority to droop or expel members who violate the Academy's code of conduct or "compromise the integrity" of the academy. Actress Whoopi Goldberg, who serves on the Academy's Board of Governors, stated Monday, "There will likely be penalties, I am certain," but in addition stated they'd not strip Smith of the Finest Actor award that he gained roughly half-hour after the incident for the movie "King Richard."
Rock declined to press fees towards Smith for the slap, the Los Angeles Police Division stated Sunday night time.
Smith apologized to each Rock and the Academy on Tuesday, writing on Instagram that his actions have been "unacceptable and inexcusable," and including that he was "out of line and I used to be improper."