The Oscars film academy said it would “explore further action and consequences” in accordance with California law, and the body’s standards of conduct.
Monday’s statement from the organisation behind the Oscars said: “The Academy condemns the actions of Mr Smith at last night’s show. 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.”
Roger Ross Williams, a black member of the Academy’s board of governors, told the Hollywood Reporter that the confrontation drove him to tears because “it reinforces stereotypes about black people and it just hurts me to my core”.
On social media, some users suggested Smith’s actions could have violated the Academy’s code of conduct and wondered whether Smith would be asked to return his award for Best Actor, which he collected onstage shortly after slapping Rock.
The code states the Academy is “categorically opposed to any form of abuse, harassment or discrimination”, including members acting “in a manner that violates standards of decency”.
It also reserves the right for the Academy board to suspend or expel those in violation of the code.
I have no doubt that the Academy will give Smith a slap on the wrist …
And you would have been arrested and thrown in jail. Violence towards others we feel wronged by is never the answer.
Will Smith is above the law apparently.
Love the guy as an actor though but he was WAY out of line. Yes the joke was crude and very cruel but he could have rose to the occasion and addressed it fairly like a gentleman and made a greater impact.
Good Morning Britain have taken this incident to new heights, it has currently got a black bloke and woman giving their opinions, obviously because Will Smith is black we cannot have a white person giving an opinion and it has been suggested we all boycott Will Smith films and if that is not enough we have reports of an MP writing to Smith telling him that her father was killed by a single punch, erm a girlie slap is not a punch.
What is wrong with breakfast TV and in fact society that stuff like this gets blown out of all proportion?
You’ve never heard of Will Smith?
Don’t you watch movies?
He’s been in some of the greatest movies ever created. He isn’t normally a foul mouth man. He’s generally a classy, well mannered man who has starred in some of the greatest movies ever made and I think you’d do yourself a real disservice by never watching one of his movies. One of my favourites of his is ‘I Robot.’ A very long but entertaining movie.
There are so many great movies he’s been in which have been some of my all time favourites.
Pursuit of Happiness was played by him & his son and was based on a true story of a homeless man caring for his son. It was well worth watching.
I’m shocked that some of you haven’t seen any of his movies. Yes he made a HUGE mistake at the Oscar’s BUT that doesn’t take away his incredible acting skills. He’s definitely an incredible actor. Most of the movies I’ve seen with him in have left me thinking about the movie for days after I’ve watched it.
One movie in particular was about a guy who had planned to kill himself but in a way that ends up saving a bunch of peoples lives. It’s a very intense movie and sounds utterly depressing but he helps give back lives which he felt were more deserving. It’s an incredible story.
Will Smith, is definitely one of the greatest actors ever.
P.S. Aladdin was very very funny.
He can do PG just fine.
He’s actually an amazing actor who absolutely deserves that recognition. He’s earned that which is why I am so surprised at his inappropriate & aggressive behaviour.
He went from the Prince of Bel Air to become an extraordinary actor. His movies are definitely worth watching. In fact, whenever a new movie comes out with him in it, it’s practically guaranteed to be exceptional.
Producers have all remarked what a joy he is to work with since he’s so focussed and professional with each of his roles, making this move extra surprising
