Immediately after actor Will Smith delivered a slap to the face of comedian Chris Rock during the 94th annual Academy Awards, he was asked to leave the ceremony.
According to a tweet from Nine Network Australia reporter Alison Piotrowski, The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, “Smith refused to leave.” The Academy also acknowledged that they could have handled the situation differently.
Variety is reporting, the Board of Governors held an emergency meeting to discuss the consequences for the best actor winner. He now faces “suspension, expulsion, or other sanctions permitted.”
Smith, who won the Oscar for best actor for “King Richard,” has reportedly been given 15 days’ notice of a vote regarding his violations and sanctions and can provide a written response.
The Academy issued an apology to Rock stating that they were sorry for what he endured on the stage and commended him for not acting out.
“We also apologize to our nominees, guests and viewers for what transpired during what should have been a celebratory event. Things unfolded in a way we could not have anticipated. While we would like to clarify that Mr. Smith was asked to leave the ceremony and refused, we also recognize we could have handled the situation differently,” added The Academy.
