Academy Apologizes To Chris Rock, Claims Will Smith Refused To Leave After 'Shocking, Traumatic Event'

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences released a new statement, saying it had requested Will Smith to leave the ceremony after he slapped Chris Rock on stage.

"Mr. Smith’s actions at the 94th Oscars were a deeply shocking, traumatic event to witness in-person and on television," the Academy wrote via the Associated Press. "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."

The Academy continued, "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."

Smith slapping Rock for joking about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith starring in a possible "G.I. Jane" sequel due to her bald head became one of the highlights of the program. The Academy initially said it condemned violence without mentioning Smith's name after the brief altercation. On Monday, it released another statement announcing that it launched a formal review to investigate the incident.

"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 spokesperson for the organization said.

The Academy said that based on its official standards of conduct, it "categorically opposed to any form of abuse." The "King Richard" star could face some type of disciplinary action or sanction due to his behavior.

Following the slapping incident, Smith won the Oscar for Best Actor. The "Gemini Man" was in tears when he delivered his acceptance speech, saying, "Love will make you do crazy things." He also apologized to the Academy but not to the comedian.

On Monday, Smith publicly apologized to Rock on Instagram. The award-winning actor said his behavior was "unacceptable and inexcusable." He admitted that he "reacted emotionally" because he couldn't bear the joke about his wife's condition. Pinkett Smith has been open about her struggles with alopecia.

"I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line, and I was wrong," Smith wrote. "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."

Rock has not issued a statement about the incident. The "Spiral" actor also declined to file a police report over the altercation.