The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences issued a second statement about the controversial slapping incident after it was criticized for a lukewarm initial response.
Video of superstar movie actor Will Smith slapping the comedian Chris Rock went mega-viral online and inspired countless jokes and memes as well as some very serious takes about what the slap meant about society.
Initially, the Academy issued a statement that only said it would not condone any violence but didn’t specifically cite the incident.
“The Academy does not condone violence of any form. 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.”
CNN then reported that a handful of members of the Academy on a teleconference meeting Monday morning criticized the statement for being too lukewarm.
That occasioned a second statement specifically condemning Smith’s actions:
“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.”
The Los Angeles Police Department said Rock declined to press charges against Smith, who went on to win the Oscar award for best actor and apologized to the Academy in an emotional tearful speech.
Some opined that Smith should lose his Oscar award over a rule by the Academy against violence, but at least one member of the Academy’s board of governors disagreed.
“We’re not going to take that Oscar from him. There will be consequences, I’m sure,” said Whoopi Goldberg on “The View” Monday.
Sources reportedly said the joke made at the expense of Will Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith was not a part of rehearsals in Chris Rock’s routine before the show.
Here’s more about the slap heard ’round the world:
Academy ‘strongly considered’ removing Will Smith from Oscars, source says www.youtube.com