UPDATE (1:08 PM): The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences says it condemns the actions of Will Smith during Sunday night’s Oscars and it will launch a formal review of his slapping of presenter Chris Rock.
In a statement Monday, the film academy said it will also “explore further action and consequences in accordance with our Bylaws, Standards of Conduct and California law.” The academy did not name Smith in a statement Sunday night after the confrontation.
Smith slapped Rock after the comedian made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Smith won the best actor award later in the ceremony.
Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars provoked intense opinions online, especially from comedians who felt it was an assault on their art.
Kathy Griffin wrote on Twitter that comedians have to worry about who wants to be the next Will Smith in comedy clubs and theaters.
Producer, director and actor Rob Reiner said “Will Smith owes Chris Rock a huge apology. There is no excuse for what he did."
Judd Apatow was highly critical of Smith in a now-deleted Twitter post, describing the attack “out of control rage and violence.”
