The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has launched a formal review following Will Smith’s attack on Chris Rock at Sunday’s Academy Awards. The organization behind the annual film awards show initially said they condemned violence without naming Smith, but are now making their displeasure at the incident more explicit.
“The Academy condemns the actions of Mr. Smith at last night’s show,” said a spokesman for the organization. “We have officially begun a formal review of the incident and will review further actions and consequences consistent with our bylaws, standards of conduct and California law.”
It appears Smith could face some sort of disciplinary action or sanction, although he’s unlikely to be made to forfeit his prize. In its official standards of conduct, the Academy states that it “categorically opposes any form of abuse.”
Smith, who won best actor for his portrayal of Richard Williams, father of tennis greats Venus and Serena Williams, in King Richard, had marred his big night with his outburst. After Chris Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s cropped haircut and referred to “GI Jane,” Smith stormed onto the stage and slapped Rock. He then yelled at Rock to “keep my wife’s name out of your damn mouth.” Pinkett Smith has said her hair loss is due to alopecia.
Smith was named best actor later that night. He used his time on the podium to apologize to the academy and his fellow contestants – although he didn’t mention Rock.
“Love will make you do crazy things,” he said, adding, “To do what we do you have to be able to take abuse. You have to be able to get people talking crazy about you. In this business you have to be able to be disrespected by people. And you gotta smile, you gotta pretend that’s okay.”
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