The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has intensified discussion of the Will Smith-Chris Rock slap incident and potential disciplinary action.
Will Smith at the Oscars 2022. Photo: Reuters
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has moved its meeting on Friday to discuss possible sanctions against Best Actor winner Will Smith for slapping presenter Chris Rock, a letter from the group’s president said.
The organization’s board of governors, the Academy Award-granting group, was earlier scheduled for April 18 to discuss the incident at last month’s Oscars ceremony.
Smith resigned from the academy on Friday and said he would accept whatever reasonable outcome the group decided.
Because Smith resigned, the Academy is no longer required to adhere to a legally set timetable for considering the matter, Academy President David Rubin said in a letter to members.
“It is in the best interest of everyone involved that this is handled in a timely manner,” Rubin said.
Possible actions could include making Smith ineligible for future awards or banning him from future Oscar ceremonies.
On a March 27 television program, after comedian Rock joked about the appearance of Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, Smith climbed onto the stage, then hit Rock in the face.
Less than an hour later, Smith gave a tearful speech on stage as he accepted the Best Actor award for his role in “King Richard.” After the ceremony, they were seen dancing at Vanity Fair’s annual post-Oscars party.
The Rock’s joke about Smith’s wife referred to the 1997 film GI Jane in which actress Demi Moore shaved her head. It was unclear whether The Rock knew Jada Pinkett Smith had a condition that causes hair loss.