The Academy claims it asked Will Smith to leave Oscars ceremony, but he refused

nme.com:

2022 Oscars ceremony after he slapped Chris Rock, but the actor refused.Acknowledging that it still could have “handled the situation differently”, the Academy has alleged that it did take decisive action in requesting Smith leave on Sunday (March 27).Per The Guardian, the Academy’s board of governors, which met yesterday (March 30), said they had initiated disciplinary proceedings against Smith for violations against the group’s standards of conduct.During last week’s 94th Academy Awards ceremony, Smith slapped presenter Rock on-stage after the comedian made a controversial joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, regarding her shaved hair that had seemingly been cropped short due to her alopecia.“Things unfolded in a way we could not have anticipated,” the Academy said in a new statement. “While we would like to clarify that Mr Smith was asked to leave the ceremony and refused, we also recognise we could have handled the situation differently.”The Academy added that Smith has the chance to defend himself in a written response before the board members meet again on April 18.

The Academy said that disciplinary action for Smith could include suspension, expulsion or other sanctions.Initially, the Academy had condemned Smith’s assault, writing on social media last week that it “does not condone violence of any form”.The Academy does not condone violence of any form.Tonight we are delighted to celebrate our 94th Academy Awards winners, who deserve this moment of recognition from their peers and movie lovers around the world.— The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 28, 2022But in its fresh comments issued yesterday, the tone of language appeared stronger. “Mr Smith’s actions at the 94th Oscars were a deeply shocking, traumatic.