Will Smith To Face Disciplinary Action From The Academy For Slapping Chris Rock At Oscars

Will Smith's Oscar slap has received a lot of criticism from fellow actors and the public alike. Smith violently confronted Chris Rock at the event after the comic made jokes about Jada Pinkett Smith's hair loss. The ceremony continued as though the physical altercation had not occurred at all with Smith winning an Oscar for Best Male Lead minutes later. He even got a standing ovation.

As of Wednesday, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences announced that it has "initiated disciplinary proceedings" against the actor over his actions at Sunday's award ceremony. Rock had declined to press charges against Smith.

In a statement, the organization stated: "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." The statement also involved details about how Smith had refused to leave the premises and expressed regret about not handling the situation better. They also apologized to Rock and thanked him for his "resilience in that moment." Another apology was extended to "nominees, guests, and viewers for what transpired during what should have been a celebratory event."

The statement went on to say, "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. 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."

Smith took the opportunity when he won an Oscar to apologize to the Academy and his fellow nominees. He later took to Instagram to apologize to Rock for his actions. "Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable," he wrote in the apology statement and added, "I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong." But with the outrage the incident created, this will not suffice. "People want real consequence. Every member of every branch is reaching out to all their governors," a source told The Hollywood Reporter. "It was an assault — and not only a physical assault but an assault on the community." They also added, "I think everyone unanimously feels what he did was out of control."