Days after Will Smith slapped Chris Rock during the 94th Academy Awards(Oscars 2022) on Sunday, the Board of Governors held an emergency meeting and now Smith faces “suspension, expulsion, or other sanctions permitted.”
The Academy began disciplinary action against the 'King Rickard' actor and revealed that Will Smith refused to leave the Oscars ceremony after attacking comedian Chris Rock.
In its statement, the Academy said: "Mr Smith was asked to leave the ceremony and refused, [but] we also recognize we could have handled the situation differently."
The Academy, said it would hold a vote on what action should be taken against Smith over the globally televised assault.
"The Board of Governors today initiated disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Will 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," the statement said.
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"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."
Meanwhile, Chris Rock said he is "still processing" the incident in his first public comments since the ceremony.
At the Oscars 2022, Chris Rock was on stage to present the trophy for best documentary. He made a joke about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, that referenced the 1997 film "G.I. Jane" in which actress Demi Moore shaved her head, following which Will Smith strode onto the stage and slapped Rock.