Will Smith's now viral altercation at Sunday's Oscar's ceremony has been condemned by the Academy as it launched a formal review into the incident. The 94th annual awards show was thrown into chaos when Smith went onstage and hit comedian Chris Rock in front of a live audience, after Rock made a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith and her hair loss.
Smith, who won his first Academy Award for King Richard, appeared to take offence to a joke Rock made about Pinkett Smith’s short haircut. She has previously spoken about her struggles with alopecia and said it is what prompted her to shave her head.
Referring to Pinkett Smith’s buzzcut, Rock said: “Jada, can’t wait for GI Jane 2,” prompting the actress to roll her eyes. Just moments later, Smith walked up on stage and slapped Rock before returning to his seat and shouting twice: “Keep my wife’s name out of your f****** mouth.”
READ MORE Will Smith's full Oscar speech just minutes after attacking Chris Rock on stage
The altercation left Rock shocked as he tried to resume presenting the best documentary feature category. In a statement to media on Monday, the film academy said: “The Academy condemns the actions of Mr Smith at last night’s show.
“We have officially started a formal review around the incident and will explore further action and consequences in accordance with our bylaws, standards of conduct and California law.” Smith apologised to the Academy and his fellow nominees, but not to Rock, joking that he “looks like the crazy father”.
Breaking down in tears on stage, he said: “Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his family. I’m being called on in my life to love people and to protect people and to be a river to my people.
“I know to do what we do you’ve got to be able to take abuse, you’ve got to be able to have people talk crazy about you in this business. You’ve got to be able have people disrespecting you and you’ve got to smile and pretend like that’s OK.
“I want to apologise to the Academy, I want to apologise to all my fellow nominees. Art imitates life, I look like the crazy father, just like they said about Richard Williams, but love will make you do crazy things.” He concluded by saying he hoped the Academy invited him back in future.
The Academy later said it did not “condone violence of any form” in tweet posted from its official account. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said no report had been filed after the incident.
