The 94th Academy Award has been wrapped up with a little bump in an otherwise smooth run. However, the internet isn’t yet ready to let go of that bump. The incident where the Oscar-winning actor Will Smith smacked Chris Rock for joking about his wife Jada Smith is still the most discussed topic online, days after it’s happening. Many celebrities have expressed their stance and Smith himself has addressed the issue. However, amidst all the chaos, the Academy has now stepped in to inform about their plan of action regarding the issue.
Will Smith Issues A Public Apology Regarding His Actions On The Academy Award Stage
Following the heated moment and the completion of the award ceremony, Chris Rock declined to press charges against Will Smith. Moreover, celebrities have actively addressed the issue and have made their views clear on the matter with some siding with Smith. However, many have strongly condemned his actions and conduct on Oscar’s stage. Will Smith also issued a public apology where he admitted that physical violence can never be justified. “Violence in all of its form is poisonous and destructive,” he wrote.
“My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are a part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally.” He added, “I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.”
Furthermore, he also apologized to the Academy and his film King Richard’s associates. “I would also like to apologize to the Academy, the producers of the show, all the attendees, and everyone watching around the world. I would like to apologize to the Williams Family and my King Richard Family. And deeply regret that my behavior has stained what has been an otherwise gorgeous journey for all of us.” He concluded the statement with, “I am a work in progress.”
The Academy Informs About Their Further Action On The Issue
Amidst all the discussion, there have been many speculations about the Academy’s decision following the incident. On Tuesday, however, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences shared a statement finally addressing the issue. The Academy in the statement informed that they have decided to investigate further and then take action about it.
“To be clear, we condemn Mr. Smith’s actions that transpired Sunday night,” reads the statement. “As outlined in our bylaws, the Academy’s Board of Governors will now make a determination on appropriate action for Mr. Smith. As governed by California law regarding members of nonprofit organizations like the Academy, and set forth in our Standards of Conduct, this must follow an official process that will take a few weeks.”
“We will continue to update you on any developments, but we also ask that you respect your Board, Academy staff, and the process as this unfolds so it can work in the considered way it was intended and mandated,” the statement continues. “Please trust that the Board of Governors will conduct this process in a manner that is both expedient and respectful of all involved while maintaining the standards of the Academy.”
While the Academy has come out in the open to address the unfortunate happening, however, it isn’t enough to put a stop to the speculations. There are still many options available as to where the Academy would head regarding the consequences of Smith’s action. And no matter how small, there still stands a chance that Smith would have to give his recently earned Academy Award back. However, despite all the rumors and speculations, the last word will be from the Academy, for which the audience will have to wait.
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