Calls for Will Smith to have Oscar revoked by Academy after violent outburst

Will Smith could be facing the possibility of being asked to hand his Oscar back, as the backlash over his violent outburst grows.

The actor, 53, was up for Best Actor for his portrayal of Serena and Venus Williams’ father Richard in the critically-acclaimed drama King Richard.

He won the gong, beating off stiff competition from the likes of Benedict Cumberbatch, Javier Bardem, Denzel Washington and Andrew Garfield, but his victory was overshadowed by his assault on presenter Chris Rock earlier in the evening.

Will stormed the stage after the comedian poked fun at his wife Jada Pinkett’s hair loss, with the celebrity audience stunned into silence as they witnessed the actor smack Chris around the face.

Will was overjoyed with his first-ever Oscar win, but it was overshadowed (David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock)

He swore at the funnyman as he left the stage, telling him to “keep my wife’s name out of your f***ing mouth”, and later apologised for his angry outburst during his speech as he accepted his first-ever Academy Award.

Many are now calling for Will to have his Oscar revoked, and the backlash is growing.

“The Academy should revoke Will Smith’s Oscar. Chris rock made a mild joke and did not deserve to be attacked for it. There is never any excuse for physical assault,” one fumed.

Will defended his actions, and happily posed for photos alongside his family (AFP via Getty Images)

“I hope @TheAcademy chooses to revoke Will Smith's Oscar win. To show on national television that you can assault someone and still be awarded with no consequences is disgusting,” another tweeted.

“Honestly, revoke #WillSmiths Oscar and ban him from attending. I don't care how good you are at acting, doesn't give you the right to assault. #WillAndChris,” one viewer fired.

“Academy needs to issue a statement that the violence Will Smith engaged in on their stage is unacceptable and regrettable, and then they need to revoke his Oscar,” another added.

He apologised to the Academy and his fellow nominees after the attack during his emotional speech (AFP via Getty Images)

“So Will Smith doesn't get any repercussions for this? He assaulted someone live on TV. Arrest this man and revoke his Oscar,” one raged.

It’s unlikely that Will would be stripped of his Oscar, but a source told the New York Post that the Academy are facing serious questions over his win following the shocking assault.

“It’s basically assault. Everyone was just so shocked in the room, it was so uncomfortable,” they said. “I think Will would not want to give his Oscar back, but who knows what will happen now.”

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has been approached for comment.