There were many questions that were raised by people online after Will Smith smacked Chris Rock on the face at the Oscars after the comedian cracked a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith.
How can he physically assault a person at the Oscars and get away with it?
Why didn’t the security escort him out of the event?
Will his award be taken back?
Yesterday, The Academy indirectly condemned the incident without taking Will Smith’s name. However, the organization is openly condemning the violence now. According to Variety, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has launched a formal review following Will Smith’s assault on Chris Rock at the Oscars ceremony.
A spokesperson for the organization 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.”
What is next for Will Smith?
Reports suggest that there might be some kind of disciplinary action or sanction taken against him, considering that The Academy’s official code of conduct states it is “categorically opposed to any form of abuse.” The Academy’s full Board of Governors is to meet and discuss the incident.
Will Will Smith’s Oscar be revoked?
According to Variety, it is unlikely that Will will be made to forfeit his prize. As most of us know, Roman Polanski and Harvey Weinstein still have their prizes.
Didn’t The Academy review the jokes that Chris Rock was to make on stage?
A source from The Academy alleged that Rock’s joke was “off the cuff” and “not included” in the script fed to him on teleprompters.
Why wasn’t any immediate action taken against Will Smith after the act of physical violence?
The Academy is a nonprofit organization that’s ruled by bylaws. Sources revealed that there appear to be “no provisions addressing open-hand smacking across the face on the live show”.
Why wasn’t Will Smith escorted out by the security?
This option was discussed at the event. Apparently, by the time the team came to any conclusion, Will was already invited on stage to receive his Oscar for ‘Best Actor’ for his role in ‘King Richard’. Another source also alleged that the showrunners didn’t want “a beloved movie star” to be removed from his seat by the security as there were plenty of fans online supporting Will.
What are your views on the entire incident? Share with us!
Cover image: source.