Academy ‘condemns’ Will Smith’s Oscar night slap, promises ‘formal review’

nypost.com:

Oscar night slap of Chris Rock is underway, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said Monday, as it denounced the “King Richard” star’s behavior.“The Academy condemns the actions of Mr.

Smith,” the statement read. “We have officially started a formal review around the incident and will explore further action and consequences in accordance with our Bylaws, Standards of Conduct and California law.” The statement from the AMPAS is its first official comment since the primetime assault — though it tweeted early Monday that it does “not condone violence of any form.” The group stopped short of noting any specific consequences Smith could face.

Late Sunday, Smith walked on stage and slapped Rock after he made a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s baldness, prompting Hollywood insiders to speculate whether his eventual Oscar for Best Actor for his performance in “King Richard” could be revoked.

A longtime Academy member told The Post they don’t think Smith would be deprived of the honor — but that it’s possible he won’t be asked back next year to present the Best Actress Oscar, as is customary.