Academy asked Will Smith to leave Oscars after Chris Rock slap but he refused

msn.com:

slapped Chris Rock on the stage after the comedian made a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. In a statement, the Academy did not give any details about who made the request or how, but it did say that Smith refused to leave his seat.

Shortly after the incident, which was seen on live television by millions of viewers, Smith took to the stage to accept his Best Actor Oscar for his role in King Richard.

He made a tearful speech, and was received by the audience with a mix of shock and a standing ovation. Three days after the ceremony, the Academy is starting to shake off the controversy of an incident that has rocked the very foundations of the film industry in Los Angeles, and has also begun “disciplinary proceedings” against Smith for his behavior. “Things unfolded in a way we could not have anticipated,” the powerful organization said in a statement that was released after a Board of Governors meeting. “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 added that at its 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. ”Smith, who made the longest speech of the night during which he himself called into question whether he would be invited back, has been “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,” the statement continued.

Mr Rock, we apologize to you for what you experienced on our stage and thank you for your resilience in that momentThe Board.