Lucy Devine
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has begun 'disciplinary proceedings' against Will Smith, after the actor 'slapped' comedian Chris Rock at the Oscars on Sunday.
It all kicked off when Rock made a G.I. Jane joke about Jada Pinkett-Smith, while presenting the award for Best Documentary Feature. G.I. Jane is an action movie from 1997, where lead actress Demi Moore shaves her head.
It seems Rock's joke was in reference to Jada's shaven style, after the 50-year-old recently opened up about her experience with alopecia.
You can watch the moment below:
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Will could now face suspension, expulsion or other sanctions if the Academy decide to take action.
It's also been revealed in a statement that the actor was asked to leave the show but refused to do so following the incident.
"The Board of Governors today initiated disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Smith for violations of the Academy’s Standards of Conduct, including inappropriate physical contact, abusive or threatening behavior, and compromising the integrity of the Academy," the Academy statement read.
"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. 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."
It continued: "Mr. Smith’s actions at the 94th Oscars were a deeply shocking, traumatic event to witness in-person and on television. Mr. Rock, we apologize to you for what you experienced on our stage and thank you for your resilience in that moment. We also apologize to our nominees, guests and viewers for what transpired during what should have been a celebratory event.
"Things unfolded in a way we could not have anticipated. 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."
Following the incident, Will took to Instagram to apologise to Rock - having previously apologised to the Academy and his fellow nominees at the ceremony - explaining his behaviour was "unacceptable and inexcusable"
Will's statement read: "Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable.
"Jokes at my expense are a part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally.
"I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness."