The Academy has launched a formal review into Will Smith’s on-air assault after mounting calls for the legendary actor to face consequences for his actions.
On Sunday night, the 53-year-old King Richard star shocked the world after storming the 94th Academy Awards stage and slapping Chris Rock in the face over his joke about his wife’s baldness.
While the actor was allowed to remain in his seat and receive a Best Actor Oscar just moments after his attack on the presenter, the Academy has been facing calls to take Smith’s Oscar away and ban him from future events for life.
On Monday, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences confirmed that a formal review has since been launched and that “further action and consequences” will be considered.
“The Academy condemns the actions of Mr. Smith at last night’s show,” a spokesperson said.
“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.”
As a source also told CNN, the leaders of the Academy strongly considered sending in security to remove Will Smith from Dolby Theatre following his actions on Sunday night.
“There were immediate discussions but the Academy decision makers were seated in various spots in the Dolby Theater and couldn’t mobilize to make a decision before he won best actor,” the insider revealed.
While it is unlikely that Smith will lose his Oscar, various disciplinary actions including exclusion from future events are on the table over his violation of the Academy’s Code of Conduct which frowns upon all forms of violence.
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