(Los Angeles) The Academy of Oscars, whose board of directors is to meet on Wednesday evening, assured that it would take “appropriate measures” after the slap given by actor Will Smith to comedian Chris Rock in full awards ceremony.
Posted at 3:33 p.m.
Will Smith, rewarded shortly after the incident by the Oscar for best actor for his role in King Richardhas since issued a public apology to Chris Rock and the Academy.
But many in Hollywood are calling on the organization that awards the Oscars to punish the star for his act of violence, which they say unfairly eclipsed the night’s other winners.
In a letter to thousands of members of the Academy, the leaders say they are “outraged” by the incident.
“The broadcast of the 94and Sunday’s Oscars ceremony was meant to be a celebration of the many people in our community who have done incredible work over the past year,” reads the letter, signed by Academy President David Rubin and Director General Dawn Hudson.
“We are shocked and outraged that these moments have been overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior of a contestant on stage,” they continue.
It was a joke by Chris Rock about the shaved head of Jada Pinkett Smith, suffering from alopecia – a disease causing severe hair loss, which she revealed to suffer from a few years ago – which had triggered the scandal.
Will Smith suddenly took the stage and slapped Chris Rock under the dumbfounded eyes of celebrities and viewers.
The 53-year-old actor yelled at her, “Leave my wife’s name out of your fucking mouth!” once back in his chair.
He then apologized on Instagram, apologizing to Chris Rock and the organizers: “What I did was inappropriate and I was wrong. My behavior last night at the Oscars was unacceptable and inexcusable. »
“To be very clear, we condemn Mr. Smith’s actions,” insists the letter from Oscar Academy leaders, promising to implement “appropriate actions” in accordance with the organization’s regulations.
“This must follow a formal process that will take a few weeks,” the letter said.
According to American media, the board of directors of the Academy of Oscars was to meet Wednesday evening to take stock of the ceremony, as every year. Slapping Will Smith is their “top priority,” according to CNN.