Academy Says 'Formal Review' of Will Smith Slapping Chris Rock at Oscars Will Take Weeks

etonline.com:

Will Smith and Chris Rock that took place during Sunday’s94 annual Academy Awards will take some time, the Academy stated in a letter to its members on Tuesday.The Academy contacted its members in a private letter from President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson on Tuesday, noting they are «upset and outraged» that this year's winners were «overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior on stage by a nominee.» Specifically calling out the star, the letter stated, «To be clear, we condemn Mr.

Smith's actions that transpired Sunday night.» Of the formal review, they stated the the process will «take a few weeks» to complete, saying, «We will continue to update you on any developments, but we also ask that you respect your Board, Academy staff and the process as this unfolds so it can work in the considered way it was intended and mandated.» In a statement on Monday about Smith shockingly slapping Rock, the Academy shared that they were officially conducting a formal review.«The Academy condemns the actions of Mr.

Smith at last night's show,» the statement reads. «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.» On Sunday, the star abruptly walked onstage and slapped Rock with an open hand, on the face, after the  alum made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.

While taking the stage to present, Rock quipped, «Jada, I love ya., can't wait to see it,» referencing her shaved head. The actress has been vocal about her struggles with alopecia, an autoimmune disorder which causes bald spots and hair loss.