The Academy Starts "Formal Review" Into Will Smith's Slap, Will Decide On Consequences

In his tearful speech at the Oscars yesterday, Will Smith said he hoped the Academy would invite him back to Oscars

After slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars and blaming it on love, Will Smith shared a more thoughtful apology than the one he made in his Best Actor speech. He has been widely condemned by public opinion and the assault eclipsed his own Oscar win for King Richard. However, there may be a greater reckoning in store for the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air - the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which gives out the Oscars, is not giving this year's Best Actor a pass on his terrible behaviour. An investigation has begun and the Academy will decide on what consequences Will Smith will face.

"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," a statement from the Academy said, news agency AFP reports. A brief tweet shared after the Oscars from the Academy's handle said it does not "condone violence of any form."

In his tearful speech at the Oscars yesterday, Will Smith said he hoped the Academy would invite him back to Oscars. It's possible that he may not be - and that may not even be the gravest of the consequences he could face. Chris Rock, on his part, declined to file police complaint, the Los Angeles Police Department said yesterday.