Academy: Will Smith Was Asked To Leave Oscars Ceremony After Slap, But Refused
The Academy has launched an official “review” of the Will Smith slap on Sunday night (which, I can’t believe we’re still talking about—I expected this to be a 24-hour discussion, at most), and it could result in Smith being expelled, or perhaps losing his ability to vote. Via Deadline:
“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” said the Academy today. “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.”
What’s even more shocking, however, is the Academy’s revelation that, after Smith slapped Chris Rock on stage, they actually asked Smith to leave the ceremony, but he refused. Via Deadline:
The Academy is now revealing that the now Best Actor winner was actually requested to exit the Dolby Theater after striking Rock over a crack about Jada Pinkett-Smith’s hair. A request the King Richard star declined. “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 Academy said of the incident at the Will Packer produced 94th Academy Awards.
So, they’re trying to blame him for refusing to leaving, but there were dozens of security guards at the Dolby that night. The Academy could’ve easily had Smith forcibly removed during a commercial break.
