The Will Smith/Chris Rock incident at the Oscars2022 is set to be investigated by the Academy.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences released a statement to that effect on the 28th of March. The statement is said to have commenced a formal review into the events that occurred on Sunday night, in which Will Smith slapped host Chris Rock, for a joke.
“The Academy condemns the actions of Mr. Smith at last night’s show,” said a spokesperson in an official statement from the organization. “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.”
This censure came after a general statement released earlier via Twitter, which did not name Smith directly.
The Academy may impose penalties upon Smith, though it’s unclear at this time whether that will involve revoking the Oscar he accepted later that night.
Will Smith took the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Richard Williams in the film King Richard.
The 94th Oscars took a turn when Chris Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s hair, in which he referenced the Demi Moore film G.I. Jane. Will Smith took to the stage and assaulted Rock and shouted to the comedian repeatedly, “Leave my wife’s name out of your f***ing mouth.”
Pinkett Smith has spoken publicly about her experience with alopecia areata, a condition that causes the body to attack hair follicles, ultimately causing partial or total hair loss.
Since the event, Chris Rock has declined to press charges according to the Los Angeles Police Department (via CNN).
In a new development, Will Smith has apologised publicly via his Instagram.
