Academy: Will Smith Refused To Leave Oscars After Chris Rock Slap
Newsy
The academy acknowledged it could have handled the situation differently after Smith was asked to leave and refused.
The Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences has started disciplinary proceedings against Academy Award winner Will Smith. According to the academy, Smith was asked to leave after slapping Chris Rock, but he refused. Smith went on to accept the Oscar for Best Actor and received a standing ovation.
"Things unfolded in a way we could not have anticipated," the academy said. "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."
Oscars co-host Wanda Sykes says Smith should have been escorted out of the Dolby Theatre. Smith could be suspended or even expelled from the academy.
