The Academy Issues Direct Apology To Chris Rock Over Will Smith Incident

The Academy has apologised to Chris Rock over the incident that occurred with Will Smith at the Oscars.

During the event last Sunday, 27 March, the Men In Black star stormed the stage and slapped Rock across the face.

The comedian, 57, had been presenting an award when he made a joke about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, who has alopecia.

He said: "Jada, I love you. G.I. Jane 2, can’t wait to see you."

At first, Smith appeared to laugh it off while his wife rolled her eyes, but he then walked onto the stage and slapped the comedian.

Upon returning to his seat, Smith was heard shouting back at Rock: "Keep my wife’s name out your f***ing mouth."

An unsurprisingly shocked Rock managed to carry on with the show and Smith went on to win the Best Actor Oscar for his performance in the Serena and Venus Williams biopic King Richard.

However, since the bizarre incident, Smith, 53, has come in for some criticism, as has the Academy for not taking action on the night.

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Well, the organisers have now issued another statement, in which they had clarified that Smith was indeed asked to leave the event but refused.

The Academy has also issued a direct apology to Rock, admitting that it could have handled the situation much better.

A spokesperson confirmed that disciplinary action was being taken against the actor.

The statement read, per Deadline: "The Board of Governors today initiated disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Smith for violations of the Academy’s Standards of Conduct, including inappropriate physical contact, abusive or threatening behavior, and compromising the integrity of the Academy.

"Consistent with the Academy’s Standards of Conduct, as well as California law, Mr. Smith is being provided at least 15 days’ notice of a vote regarding his violations and sanctions, and the opportunity to be heard beforehand by means of a written response.

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"At the next board meeting on April 18, the Academy may take any disciplinary action, which may include suspension, expulsion, or other sanctions permitted by the Bylaws and Standards of Conduct.

"Mr. Smith’s actions at the 94th Oscars were a deeply shocking, traumatic event to witness in-person and on television. Mr. Rock, we apologize to you for what you experienced on our stage and thank you for your resilience in that moment.

"We also apologize to our nominees, guests and viewers for what transpired during what should have been a celebratory event.

"Things unfolded in a way we could not have anticipated.

"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."

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