Will Smith ‘was asked to leave Oscars but REFUSED’ after the Academy ruled the slap to Chris Rock broke code of conduct
WILL Smith was 'asked to leave the Oscars by production but REFUSED,' the Academy announced on Wednesday.
This came as the Academy earlier ruled Will Smith's shocking slap at Chris Rock broke their code of conduct following an investigation.
The Academy wrote in their scathing message: "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."
They then added that Will apparently refused to leave the show.
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“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.”
According to , two Oscars officials - David Rubin, who is the President of the Academy, and Dawn Hudson, their CEO - were the individuals who asked Will to leave.
The statement continued: "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.
“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."
They also said in their damning memo that at the "next board meeting on April 18," they will take "any" disciplinary action including "suspension, expulsion, or other sanctions."
On Thursday morning, is now reporting that Will "was never asked to leave" after slapping Chris.
The site is claiming that the producer told the actor he "could stay" after the incident.
SHOCKING MOMENT
In one of the most infamous moments in Oscars history on Sunday night, Will hit Chris Rock after the standup comic, 57, referenced 's shaved head, saying: "Jada, I love you, G. I. Jane 2, can't wait to see it."
Matrix actress Jada, who first revealed she suffered from hair loss condition alopecia in 2018, rolled her eyes at the joke and looked upset – which appeared to prompt Will into action.
Stars including Nicole Kidman and Lupita Nyong’o looked horrified as he stormed the stage and hit the presenter hard across the face.
The Fresh Prince star then walked back to his seat as a stunned Chris said: "Will Smith just smacked the s**t out of me."
Will yelled at the comedian: "Leave my wife’s name out of your f**king mouth."
WILL TAKES THE STAGE
It's unclear when or where Will was asked to leave.
According to The Hollywood Reporter's Scott Feinberg, who was in attendance, a tearful Smith needed to be "pulled aside and comforted" by fellow actors Denzel Washington and Tyler Perry during a commercial break.
Will shortly after took the stage for his acceptance speech for best actor, which he won for his role in "King Richard."
With tears running down his cheeks, Smith said that "Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his family," and that "art imitates life."
"Love will make you do crazy things," he added.
"I'm hoping the Academy invites me back," Smith said after apologizing to event organizers and his fellow nominees.
Will finally apologized to Chris almost a full day after the incident, calling his actions "unacceptable and inexcusable".
He wrote on Instagram: "Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night's Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable.
Chris is said to not be pressing charges and on The View, Whoopi Goldberg alleged Will would "KEEP" his Oscar.
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However, The Sun earlier reported that chiefs had begun top secret emergency talks on the topic.
Insiders said furious members of the Academy joined the meeting by Zoom and demanded the Men In Black star also be kicked out of the prestigious organization over his antics, with those talks now clearly underway.
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