The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is making another statement about confrontation that took place between Will Smith and Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars.
During the awards show on Sunday night (March 27), the comedian was presenting an award and made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith. After she seemed upset by the joke, Will jumped on stage and slapped Chris in the face, then returned to his seat and shouted profanities at him.
The Academy released a statement about the incident a day later. They followed up with another letter on Tuesday night, condemning Will‘s actions once more and sharing an update about where they were in the investigation process.
Click inside to find out what they wrote…
The Academy asked that the public respect that a formal review of the incident “will take a few weeks” and added that they were “upset and outraged” that Will‘s actions had overshadowed the hard work the show was supposed to celebrate.
You can read the full letter down below. (via IndieWire)
Dear Members,
Sunday’s telecast of the 94th Oscars was meant to be a celebration of the many individuals in our community who did incredible work this past year. We are upset and outraged that those moments were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior on stage by a nominee. To be clear, we condemn Mr. Smith’s actions that transpired Sunday night.
As outlined in our bylaws, the Academy’s Board of Governors will now make a determination on appropriate action for Mr. Smith. As governed by California law regarding members of nonprofit organizations like the Academy, and set forth in our Standards of Conduct, this must follow an official process that will take a few weeks.
We will continue to update you on any developments, but we also ask that you respect your Board, Academy staff and the process as this unfolds so it can work in the considered way it was intended and mandated. Please trust that the Board of Governors will conduct this process in a manner that is both expedient and respectful of all involved while maintaining the standards of the Academy.
Thank you,
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
David Rubin, President
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
Dawn Hudson
CEO
Will has also released a statement, where he apologized to Chris for his actions.