The Academy of Motion Picture Art and Sciences has launched an inquiry into Will Smith-Chris Rock’s altercation at the Oscars 2022 ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday.
Condemning the actions of Smith, the organisation behind the annual film awards issued a statement regarding the matter, Variety reported.
“The Academy condemns the actions of Mr. Smith at last night’s show. We have officially started a formal review around the incident and will explore further action and consequences in accordance with our Bylaws, Standards of Conduct and California law,” a spokesperson for the Academy said.
Also the Academy’s team is likely to meet on Wednesday night to discuss the incident.
The altercation happened when Rock took the stage to present the best documentary award and made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith being in a sequel to ‘G.I. Jane’.
Pinkett Smith has been open about the fact that she has alopecia, which causes hair loss. Smith then ran on stage, slapping Rock and quickly returning to his seat.
“Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behaviour at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally,” Smith wrote.
