Academy Begins Disciplinary Proceedings Against Will Smith, May Expel Him: “Mr. Smith was asked to leave the ceremony and refused
The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has begun “disciplinary proceedings” against disgraced actor Will Smith after he slapped comedian Chris Rock on live television at the Oscars on Sunday.
The Academy said he may get booted or suspended ‘or other sanctions permitted by the Bylaws and Standards of Conduct.’ The Academy also said they asked Smith to leave and the arrogant abuser refused. They should have called the cops and hauled his ass out of there like they would have any regular person.
The Academy said in a statement: “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.
“Consistent with the Academy’s Standards of Conduct, as well as California law, Mr. Smith is being provided at least 15 days’ notice of a vote regarding his violations and sanctions and the opportunity to be heard beforehand by means of a written response.
“At the next board meeting on April 18, the Academy may take any disciplinary action, which may include suspension, expulsion, or other sanctions permitted by the Bylaws and Standards of Conduct.
“Mr. Smith’s actions at the 94th Oscars were a deeply shocking, traumatic event to witness in-person and on television.
“Mr. Rock, we apologize to you for what you experienced on our stage and thank you for your resilience in that moment.
“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,” the statement said.
The Academy sent a letter to all its members after the incident that said:
“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,” the letter said.
Academy Starts Disciplinary Proceedings Against Will Smith, Expulsion on the Table https://t.co/5NCvmfcbSj
— Variety (@Variety) March 30, 2022