Will Smith Refused To Leave Oscars Says Academy, Disciplinary Discussions Begin: Report

BY Erika Marie 7.0K Views
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The Academy issued a statement where they apologized to Chris Rock and stated Smith was asked to leave following the altercation.

A new wave of Will Smith conversations has begun today thanks to a new report about the Academy. The reports of Smith slapping Chris Rock on the Oscars stage last weekend have been never-ending—and they don't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Today, several outlets have reported that the Academy has issued a formal statement claiming that they have begun disciplinary action, including addressing the altercation at their next board meeting on April 18.

The Hollywood Reporter stated that Smith's fate could include “suspension, expulsion, or other sanctions permitted by the Bylaws and Standards of Conduct.”

Neilson Barnard / Staff / Getty Images

“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 read. The Academy also apologized to Rock, Oscars attendees, and viewers.

“Mr. Smith was asked to leave the ceremony and refused, [but] we also recognize we could have handled the situation differently," they added. Meanwhile, Rock is scheduled to perform this evening (March 30) in Boston where the sold-out crowd is expecting to hear him speak on the Oscars incident for the first time publicly.

His brother Tony Rock has answered fan questions about his brother being slapped by Smith, mentioning that he doesn't accept his apology


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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