Will Smith was asked to leave the Oscars after slapping Chris Rock but refused, Hollywood’s film academy has said.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which hands out the Oscars, said it had begun a process against Smith which could lead to the best actor winner’s expulsion from the group.
During Sunday’s live broadcast, Smith slapped Rock after the comedian made a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s hair, before returning to his seat and shouting, “keep my wife’s name out your f***ing mouth”.
Just 15 minutes later, Smith won an Oscar for best actor.
“Things unfolded in a way we could not have anticipated," the Academy said in a statement.
“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.”
The academy said it had begun an investigation into Smith’s actions, citing violations of its standards of conduct, “including inappropriate physical contact, abusive or threatening behavior, and compromising the integrity of the Academy".
Sanctions, such as suspension or expulsion could be approved at the academy’s next board meeting on April 18.
Smith, known for his role in the sitcom, the Fresh Prince of Bel Air, apologised to Rock, the academy and viewers in a statement on Monday, saying he was “out of line" and “reacted emotionally."
Rock had referred to the 1997 film G.I. Jane in which actress Demi Moore shaved her head. It was unclear whether Rock was aware that Pinkett Smith has alopecia, a condition that causes hair loss.
At a stand-up show in Boston on Wednesday evening, Rock made his first public comments about the matter, saying he was still "processing" what happened and would talk about it later.
After the incident, the comedian quickly regained his composure and announced the winner of best documentary.
Oscars co-hosts Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes have said they were sickened by the turn of events at the film industry’s highest honours.
“Still triggered and traumatized," Schumer said in a post on Instagram on Wednesday.
“I love my friend @chrisrock and believe he handled it like a pro. Stayed up there and gave an Oscar to his friend @questlove and the whole thing was so disturbing."
Schumer and Sykes co-hosted the ceremony with Regina Hall.
