After days of rumours about what they’d do, the Academy has confirmed that disciplinary proceedings will be brought against Will Smith, with the threat of expulsion still looming.
Following Smith’s extraordinary slap on Chris Rock, the Board of Governors held an emergency meeting to discuss consequences for the Best Actor winner.
As per Variety, The Academy has now released a 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,” it begins.
“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.”
The statement goes on to call Smith’s actions as a “deeply shocking, traumatic event to witness in-person and on television.”
“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,” the statement concludes.
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It comes after Smith offered an apology on social media in an effort to explain his side of the story. “Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive,” he wrote in an Instagram post. “My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable.
Jokes at my expense are a part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally.
Smith then offered an apology to Rock. “I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. 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. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.”
This is a developing story and we’ll bring you any reaction to the Academy’s new statement.
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