Academy launches FORMAL review into Will Smith slapping Chris Rock during live Oscars broadcast
The Academy launched a formal review into Will Smith's slap of Chris Rock at Sunday's Oscars ceremony. The statement released Monday says the Academy 'condemns the actions of Mr. Smith at last night's show'. Academy leadership strongly considered removing Smith from the ceremony, a source told CNN. But Academy decision makers could not mobilize in time to make a decision before he won best actor.
Her actor husband initially appeared to laugh but then ran on to stage seconds later and slapped Rock. Oscars' stunned host was seen rubbing his face and said: 'Wow, Will Smith just smacked the s**t out of me'. The audience and viewers initially believed it was all part of the joke until the actor's meltdown continued. He returned to his seat and began yelling repeatedly at Rock: 'Keep my wife's name out of your f***ing mouth'.