Will Smith was asked to leave Oscars after hitting Chris Rock but refused, Academy says

The Academy of Movement Photos Arts and Sciences stated that Will Smith was requested to go away to Sunday’s Oscars after hitting Chris Rock however refused.

Many have questioned why Smith was allowed to stay seated entrance row on the Academy Awards after the incident. On Wednesday, the academy advised that it tried to take away the actor from the viewers.

“Issues unfolded in a method we couldn’t have anticipated,” the academy stated. “Whereas we want to make clear that Mr. Smith was requested to go away the ceremony and refused, we additionally acknowledge we might have dealt with the scenario in another way.”

The academy’s board of governors met Wednesday to provoke disciplinary proceedings in opposition to Smith for violations in opposition to the group’s requirements of conduct. The academy stated Smith has the chance to defend himself in a written response earlier than the board meets once more on April 18. The academy stated disciplinary motion for Smith might embrace suspension, expulsion or different sanctions.

The movie academy earlier condemned Smith’s onstage assault of Rock. However it used stronger language Wednesday.

“Mr. Smith’s actions on the 94th Oscars have been a deeply stunning, traumatic occasion to witness in-person and on tv,” the academy stated. “Mr. Rock, we apologize to you for what you skilled on our stage and thanks on your resilience in that second. We additionally apologize to our nominees, company and viewers for what transpired throughout what ought to have been a celebratory occasion.”

On Monday, Smith issued an apology to Rock, the academy and to viewers, saying “I used to be out of line and I used to be unsuitable.”