Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, was mentioned by Rock on stage during the Academy Awards when he mused that she should star in a sequel to the 1997 smash film “G.I. Jane,” which featured Demi Moore as a balding leading lady.
Before returning to his seat and swearing at Rock, Smith took offense since his wife suffers from alopecia, which resulted in her shaving her head last year.
The organization in charge of the Academy Awards says it “condemns the acts” of Will Smith, who slapped Chris Rock during the broadcast ceremony. It will initiate “a formal investigation” into the shocking occurrence.
The Academy does not condone violence of any form.
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 28, 2022
Tonight we are delighted to celebrate our 94th Academy Awards winners, who deserve this moment of recognition from their peers and movie lovers around the world.
UNCENSORED WILL SMITH FOOTAGE AS SHOWN ON AUSTRALIAN TV pic.twitter.com/NcRfdjWxqe
— David Mack (@davidmackau) March 28, 2022
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences released a statement on Monday that was the most forceful the organization has issued in the wake of the tragic incident during its annual awards event the night before.
“King Richard” actor Will Smith rushed to the stage and smacked comedian Chris Rock after making a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, on stage.
“The Academy strongly condemns Mr. Smith’s comments on last night’s event,” the organization stated in a statement released on Monday.
“We have formally begun a formal examination of the event. In a press release, we will consider additional action and repercussions in compliance with our Bylaws, Standards of Conduct, and California law,” the company said.
The group has been subjected to increasing criticism for failing to do more to address the conflict, both during the broadcast and in the immediate aftermath.
According to a tweet sent out by the Academy late Sunday night, it “does not condone violence.”
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar claims that Will Smith ‘perpetuated prejudices’ against African-Americans.
On the other hand, critics were outraged that the 94th annual Academy Awards ceremony allowed Smith to enter the stage again just minutes after the incident to claim his best actor prize.
During his acceptance speech, the 53-year-old artist expressed sympathy to his other candidates in the category and the Academy. However, he did not express any regret toward the comedian Chris Rock.
Most people in the United States believe that Chris Rock was liable for his actions.
More than half of respondents think it was inappropriate for the comedian to talk about Will Smith slapping Jimmy Kimmel after joking about Jada Pinkett Smith’s razored head in his Oscar acceptance speech.
According to a Blue Rose Research poll, 52.3 percent blamed Rock for the event, while just 47.7% accused Smith, according to Mediaite.com. An online survey involving over 2,162 participants.
Though Smith has issued a public apology, the incident shows how Will Smith loves his wife, and Rock was insensitive for bringing up the couple’s misfortune and that the comedian was in the wrong.
