Will Smith was asked to leave the Oscars Sunday night after slapping Chris Rock but he refused to do so, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said Wednesday as it announced it had begun disciplinary action against the actor.
It added that the potential penalty could lead to “suspension, expulsion or other penalties”.
The academy, which said in a statement that the allegations violated the organization’s code of conduct, also accused the actor of compromising its integrity.
“Smith’s actions at the 94th Academy Awards were an extremely shocking event that I witnessed in person and on television,” the Academy said.
“Things unfolded in a way we didn’t expect,” she said. “While we would like to clarify that Mr. Smith was asked to leave the party and refused, we also recognize that we could have handled the situation differently.”
The statement said Smith had 15 days to respond to the allegations. The academy’s board of governors, which began the proceedings, will vote on April 18 on possible disciplinary measures.
Smith, who won Best Actor for King Richard, publicly apologized to Rock on Monday, saying in a statement he was “out of line” and “embarrassing.”
Smith: “Violence in all its forms is poisonous and destructive.” Posted Monday night on Instagram. “My behavior at the Oscars last night was unacceptable and unforgivable.”
Smith slapped Rock after the comedian joked about the appearance of Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, saying, “Jada, I can’t wait for G.I. Jane 2 to arrive.”
Pinkett Smith publicly said She suffers from alopecia, which causes hair loss.
Smith then returned to his seat at the Dolby Theater and shouted, “Keep my wife’s name out of your mouth!”
Rock maintained his composure after being slapped, joking that it was “the greatest night in television history.” The Los Angeles Police Department said he declined to file charges. He hasn’t mentioned the incident publicly, but is scheduled to perform in Boston on Wednesday night.
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