Academy Reveals Will Smith Was Asked to Leave the Oscars Ceremony But REFUSED

In a new statement released by the Academy, Oscar-winning actor Will Smith was indeed asked to leave the ceremony after slapping Chris Rock across the face.

That bit of info became a bone of contention among many who said the Academy lacked the integrity to make Smith leave after an act of violence.

“Mr. Smith was asked to leave the ceremony and refused,” the Academy said in a statement announcing that disciplinary proceedings against Smith has begun, Variety reports.

But the Academy clarified the situation saying Smith was asked to leave and refused. But the Academy also admitted that could have done better in its lax response.

“We also recognize we could have handled the situation differently,” the Academy statement read.

Here’s the statement:

The Board of Governors today initiated disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Smith for violations of the Academy’s Standards of Conduct, including inappropriate physical contact, abusive or threatening behavior, and compromising the integrity of the Academy.

Consistent with the Academy’s Standards of Conduct, as well as California law, Mr. Smith is being provided at least 15 days’ notice of a vote regarding his violations and sanctions and the opportunity to be heard beforehand by means of a written response. At the next board meeting on April 18, the Academy may take any disciplinary action, which may include suspension, expulsion, or other sanctions permitted by the Bylaws and Standards of Conduct.

Mr. Smith’s actions at the 94^th Oscars were a deeply shocking, traumatic event to witness in-person and on television. Mr. Rock, we apologize to you for what you experienced on our stage and thank you for your resilience in that moment. We also apologize to our nominees, guests and viewers for what transpired during what should have been a celebratory event.

Things unfolded in a way we could not have anticipated. While we would like to clarify that Mr. Smith was asked to leave the ceremony and refused, we also recognize we could have handled the situation differently.