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Will Smith refused to leave the Oscars after slapping Chris Rock, says the Academy

Will Smith refused to leave the Oscars after slapping Chris Rock, says the Academy

The academy has started a process that could lead to discipline against Smith for violations of its standards of conduct.
31 Mar, 2022

Will Smith refused a request to leave the Oscars ceremony after he slapped presenter Chris Rock, Hollywood's film academy said on Wednesday as it started a process that could lead to the best actor winner's expulsion from the group.

During the live telecast, Smith strode up to the stage after Rock made a joke about the appearance of Smith's wife, then smacked the comedian's face. The actor returned to his seat and twice yelled an obscenity at Rock.

Less than an hour later, Smith accepted the best actor trophy, prompting questions about why he had not been escorted out.

"Things unfolded in a way we could not have anticipated," said the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which hands out the Oscars, in a statement.

"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 it started a process that could lead to discipline against Smith for violations of its standards of conduct, "including inappropriate physical contact, abusive or threatening behaviour, and compromising the integrity of the Academy".

Will Smith hits Chris Rock as Rock spoke on stage during the 94th Academy Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles. — Reuters/Brian Snyder
Will Smith hits Chris Rock as Rock spoke on stage during the 94th Academy Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles. — Reuters/Brian Snyder

Suspension, expulsion or other sanctions may be approved at its next board meeting on April 18.

Smith apologised to Rock, the academy and viewers in a statement on Monday, saying he was "out of line" and "reacted emotionally".

Rock had referred to the 1997 film G I Jane in which actress Demi Moore shaved her head. It was unclear whether Rock was aware that Pinkett Smith has a condition that causes hair loss.

At a stand-up show in Boston on Wednesday evening, Rock made his first public comments about the matter, saying he was still "processing" what happened and would talk about it later.

"It'll be serious. It'll be funny, but right now I'm going to tell some jokes," he told a sold-out crowd.

Under the academy's rules, Smith has the chance to provide a written response before the group takes action. Smith's representatives did not respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.

The academy in its statement apologised to Rock and thanked him for "resilience in that moment".

After the incident, the comedian quickly regained his composure and announced the winner of best documentary, Questlove's Summer of Soul.

Oscars co-hosts Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes said they were sickened by the turn of events at the film industry's highest honours.

"Still triggered and traumatised," Schumer said in a post on Instagram on Wednesday. "I love my friend @chrisrock and believe he handled it like a pro. Stayed up there and gave an Oscar to his friend @questlove and the whole thing was so disturbing."

"So much pain in @willsmith anyway I'm still in shock and stunned and sad," she added. "Waiting for this sickening feeling to go away from what we all witnessed."

Sykes also said the incident was "sickening" and that she felt physically ill at the time. "I'm still a little traumatised," she said in clips released on Wednesday from an interview on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Sykes said she felt Smith should have been removed from the event and not permitted to accept his award for playing the father of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams in King Richard.

"For them to let him stay in that room and enjoy the rest of the show and accept his award, I was like how gross is this? This is just the wrong message," she said.

The clash with Rock overshadowed the night's awards, in which heartwarming movie CODA won best picture. Schumer and Sykes co-hosted the ceremony with Regina Hall.

Comments

Robin Mitha Mar 31, 2022 12:48pm
His Oscar should be withdrawn, he should be expelled from the Academy and Rick should sue him for assult.
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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Mar 31, 2022 12:49pm
Violence of any and all types is unacceptable, unwarranted, unbecoming and uncalled for in all civilized, matured, educated, enlightened, enduring and excelling societies of the world including the U.S.
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Asif Mar 31, 2022 12:50pm
I wonder why is he still not behind bars?
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Raja Rental Mar 31, 2022 01:33pm
The fresh prince of bel air need to be disciplined...
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UncutTruth Mar 31, 2022 01:40pm
Poor Will Smith gets cuckolded a lot in the name of their “open” marriage. Probably feels like a man to hit out at a smaller guy.
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Facts Mar 31, 2022 02:54pm
@Asif seriously? Will you let your family members especially females be humiliated by anyone ? She has a medical condition and joking about it is way our of line. The stupid comedian must be banned.
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Facts Mar 31, 2022 02:54pm
That stupid comedian must be banned.
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Noted Mar 31, 2022 03:04pm
Both are at fault, instigator and perpetrator. Let academy decide the penalty.
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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Mar 31, 2022 03:08pm
No violence please.
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Nawaz Mar 31, 2022 05:03pm
Will not only disgraced himself but the whole community. Violence in any form is not acceptable. Rock insulted his wife using words and Will can do the same.
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Ali Sabir Mar 31, 2022 05:24pm
... Why do I care what they are doing?
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well wisher Mar 31, 2022 06:11pm
@Asif No Asif, Rock disrespected Will's wife before an elite audience.
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well wisher Mar 31, 2022 06:16pm
I hope the Academy acts maturely and let Rock and Will forgive each other and close this matter. Rock should say 'sorry' to Will's wife too.
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Amber Mar 31, 2022 09:10pm
Will Smith lost his temper and respect . Chris Rock should not have made a sensitive joke bit OMG being slapped on a live show in front of the world and then managing to not forget his words and stay there was so so amazing . Shame on Will Smith !!! Take away his Oscar to teach him and everyone a lesson.
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Amber Mar 31, 2022 09:13pm
@Asif bec Chris Rock refused to press charges . The best lesson should be taking his Oscar back .
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FAZ Apr 01, 2022 01:02am
Both are to blame. Indecent joke and indecent behaviour.
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Changez Khan Apr 01, 2022 02:04am
Will Smith was right slapping Chris Rock. The comedians must avoid the personal attacks.
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Isthisreal Apr 01, 2022 03:10am
Whatever happens..the comedian is the one laughing now. All show tickets selling like there's no tomorrow
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Karachi Boy Apr 01, 2022 07:24am
Yes violence is unacceptable and look at the elite of mega Hollywood stars that they feel sickening.? Thousands of innocents has died in America barbarian wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and Middle East .... wow hypocrisy at its best!
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Anonymouseee Apr 01, 2022 08:33am
Money talks. If it was an ordinary man, he would’vebeen kicked out immediately.
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