As speculation continues about what happened at the Oscars Sunday night, the Film Academy was accused of lying when it said it asked actor Will Smith to leave the awards ceremony after attacking comedian Chris Rock. .
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said Wednesday that the actor refused to leave Hollywood’s Dolby Theater after beating the comedian on stage. The academy, while answering questions about why Smith was allowed to stand in front of the audience, also said it is initiating disciplinary proceedings against him.
But according to unnamed sources who spoke about TMZ and various In reports released Thursday, Smith, the leading actor, was never asked to leave. It was reported that there was a dispute between academy officials over whether Smith would be removed and the mixed message never led to a consensus.
“Academy management is considering removing Will Smith from the broadcaster after last night’s incident,” a source told CNN. “There were immediate discussions, but the academic decision makers sat in different places in the Dolby Theater and couldn’t mobilize to make a decision until he was the winner of best actor.”
Representatives from the Academy and Smith did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
In a discussion on The View Thursday, co-chair Whoopi Goldberg, a member of the academy’s board, said he was not present at the event but thought Smith had been asked to leave. He advised producers not to physically remove it for fear it would cause a scene.
Smith landed the lead role after the incident, playing the role of tennis legend Venus and Serena Williams ’father Richard Williams in the film“ King Richard ”. He tearfully apologized to the guest, though not to Rock, and received a standing ovation.
The academy said disciplinary action against Smith could include suspension, expulsion or other penalties.
Smith took to the stage and hit after comedian “GI Jane” joked about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, struggling with the effects of hair loss. Then he returned to his seat and shouted obscenely at the rock.
Smith apologized to Rock on Instagram the next day.
Source: Huffpost
