Academy Awards Speaks on Will Smith and Chris Rock Altercation
The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences released a statement on its official Twitter account, after the altercation between Will Smith and Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars.
During the 94th Academy Awards, Smith took to the stage and slapped Rock after the comedian made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith while presenting the documentary feature category.
The Academy made a tweet that sought to refocus attention on the more dignified elements of the evening. But it was a tough sell, especially among those in the usually Oscar-obsessed entertainment industry.
The Academy said in a statement: “The Academy does not condone violence of any form. Tonight we are delighted to celebrate our 94th Academy Awards winners, who deserve this moment of recognition from their peers and movie lovers around the world.”
The Last Samurai producer Marshall Herskovitz wanted to see the Academy do more than just issue a statement.
“I call upon the Academy, of which I am a member,” he wrote, “to take disciplinary action against Will Smith. He disgraced our entire community tonight.”
Meanwhile, after Smith received his award onstage, he tendered a public apology, “hoping the academy invites him back.
He said in parts, “I want to apologize to the Academy, I want to apologize to all my fellow nominees. I look like the crazy father, just like they said about Richard Williams! But, love will make you do crazy things.” Smith signed off his time on the Oscars stage with a laugh: “Hoping the Academy invites me back!”
