Academy Says Inquiry Into Will Smith Hitting Chris Rock on Oscars Stage ‘Will Take a Few Weeks’
Will Smith has already apologized for punching Chris Rock onstage at the Oscars on Sunday, just minutes before he won Best Actor in a Leading Role.
The Academy’s inquiry of the incident involving Will Smith punching Chris Rock onstage in front of millions of viewers at the 94th Academy Awards might take weeks.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson said they are “upset and outraged” that the “celebration” of the nominees was “overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior on stage by” Will, 53, in a letter sent to members Tuesday and obtained by The Hollywood Reporter and other outlets.
“To be clear,” the letter said, “we condemn Mr. Smith’s behavior on Sunday night.” “The Academy’s Board of Governors will now decide on appropriate action for Mr. Smith, as specified in our regulations. This must go through an official process that will take a few weeks, as required by California law for members of nonprofit organizations like the Academy, and as outlined in our Standards of Conduct.”
“We will continue to keep you updated on any changes,” they said, “but we also ask that you respect your Board, Academy staff, and the process as it unfolds so that it can function in the thoughtful manner that it was intended and mandated.” “Please have faith that the Board of Governors will undertake this process in a timely and respectful manner for all parties concerned while upholding the Academy’s standards.”