Academy Officially Begins Will Smith Disciplinary Proceedings
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has taken its first steps toward disciplinary action against Will Smith for his behavior at the Oscars. The King Richard star won his first Oscar just days earlier, but celebrations over the achievement were marred thanks to Smith’s assault of comedian Chris Rock earlier in the 2022 Oscars ceremony. After poking fun at Smith’s wife, actress Jada Pinkett Smith for her shaved head, Rock was approached by Smith and slapped, all while a live audience watched in collective shock.
Pinkett Smith has alopecia, a condition that prevents hair growth on the body or otherwise causes existing hair to fall out. In the past, she’s been open about her struggles with it, but Rock’s attempt at humour over the issue certainly didn’t land well with either her or her husband. Since assaulting Rock, Smith has taken to social media to directly apologize to him – something he neglected to do after winning the best actor Oscar. There’s also been a deluge of reactions from celebrities, the majority of whom seem to feel that Smith was in the wrong and should have handled the situation with a greater degree of maturity and professionalism. At the same time, however, one lingering question has been on many people’s minds: Will Smith face any actual consequences from the Academy for his actions?
For the first time since Smith slapped Rock, the prospect of some repercussion has appeared. As Variety reports, the Academy’s Board of Governors released a statement revealing several possibilities for this situation are being considered, including “suspension, expulsion or other sanctions permitted.” The report also clarifies that Smith was asked to leave the theatre after the assault but refused to do so. The final decision on the Academy’s course of action will be revealed at a board meeting on April 18.
In addition to the above, the statement sends an apology to Rock for Smith’s behavior as well as to other nominees, guests and viewers. Given that the situation is quite unprecedented in the history of the awards ceremony, it’s hard to determine just where this situation could end up. On one hand, it’s hard to see the Academy banning one of Hollywood’s biggest stars from ever attending an Oscar ceremony or being nominated again. On the other hand, however, Smith’s status as one of the biggest stars in the world carries certain responsibilities. A star of his caliber slapping one of the most famous comedians in the world due to a joke, then walking away without any consequences sends the wrong message.
Still, while Smith’s behavior was shocking to so many, it’s not the first time that controversy has struck at the Oscars. By this point, the issue has been analyzed by so many, that there’s no shortage of talking points to contend with. Smith certainly doesn’t deserve to lose his Oscar, though that doesn’t seem to be a real concern here. It’s difficult to decide exactly what should be the correct punishment for something that happened so quickly and really doesn’t have much of a precedent. The Academy isn’t prepared to ignore the issue, though whether or not justice is served with their final decision remains to be seen.
Source: Variety