Oscars to launch a 'formal review' of Will Smith slapping Chris Rock as Hollywood reels from the inc

[LetMyPeopleVote]

This is the appropriate action.

Link to tweet

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Monday afternoon that it will conduct a formal review of the shocking incident from Sunday’s Oscars broadcast, in which best-actor winner Will Smith hit presenter Chris Rock across the face onstage after the comedian made a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s hair.

“The Academy condemns the actions of Mr. Smith at last night’s show,” a spokesman said in a statement. “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 Hollywood Reporter reported that “an emergency phone call” is being arranged with academy members.

Before the instantly infamous slap, the Smiths — one of Hollywood’s most powerful and gossiped-about couples — had already been a target for jokes earlier in the evening, when co-host Regina Hall poked fun at the long-standing rumors about their alleged open marriage. The duo was seen laughing on camera at the barb.

[jrthin]

1. He should have been escorted out of the hall immediately.

He should not have been allowed to give an acceptance speech and his Oscar should have been sent to him in the mail. Outrageous, entitled conduct.

[mcar]

2. Such a bizarre happening

yes, an investigation is warranted.

[intrepidity]

3. Since nobody asked, here's my take

The night before Chris calls/texts Will and tells him that he'll be doing a joke about Jada. Maybe even tells him the joke.

Will responds, "OK, but then I'm gonna have to come up there and slap the shit out of you! Lol"

Chris responds, "Hah, ok, let's do it. Just not too hard..."

That's how it looked to me anyway.

[Sneederbunk]

4. If this is true it will come out.

[fightforfreedom]

6. That does not make sense at all.

Did you see Will Smith swearing loudly at Rock?

[intrepidity]

8. Yes. All still part of it.

It may be years before they admit it.

[fightforfreedom]

12. Yikes!

[NightWatcher]

7. Will isnt a good enough actor to hit that tone of voice when he yelled at him.

He was quaking in rage/fear and not in control of his emotions.

[intrepidity]

13. But had a huge grin on his face during the slap?

And absolutely no defensive gesture from Chris? Chris anticipated the blow as evidenced by his body movement, yet his left arm remains tucked behind his back.

You tuck your arms like that when you don't want a reflexive reaction.

[NightWatcher]

14. Ooooooh this sounds like it might get very juicy.

I watched it on my phone and heard it through my earbuds in high def.

How hilarious would that be if they staged it?

How far are we from April Fools Day? They would win everything. Even if they hate each other's guts they need to do this right now and claim Gods of Comedy status.

[Tree Lady]

19. Chris wasn't expecting it and his reaction was knowing that the whole

world was watching his reaction, you could see that on his face, he was thinking fast of what to say.

[obamanut2012]

15. OMG it was not a wrestling work

People are twisting themselves to excuse Smith. He is a sociopath.

[BlackSkimmer]

17. He was definitely out of control.

First the laughing at the joke, then the sudden switch into slap mode with the smirk, then screaming in rage, then boohooing like a baby trying to make excuses for what he did.

Bizarre behavior.

[JenniferJuniper]

23. +1000

[BannonsLiver]

21. Imagine being this obtuse.

[underpants]

5. Ready for the comments

[TxGuitar]

9. A formal review from the Academy?

Smith is quaking in his boots, not doubt. He probably wishes he would've just stormed the Capital or ripped off a cancer charity, it would've been easier.

[fightforfreedom]

10. Good, What Will Smith did was complete bullshit.

Rock did nothing to warrant what Smith did. No way, no how, I hope he pays for what he did.

[leftstreet]

11. Will they make him 'smelt' his Oscar? n/t

[BlackSkimmer]

20. Lol, sure stole Sean Penn's hissy fit moment, didn't he?

The whole thing is so ludicrous.

I’d find it completely hilarious except for the fact that young celebrity worshippers will hear of this and think that’s what a “man” does when “disrespected.”

Except they won’t be rich and famous. There will be consequences.

[BeyondGeography]

16. Let the record show that Chris Rock's head went back and to the left

Back and to the left.

[fightforfreedom]

25. No way Smiths shot could have done that.

[LexVegas]

18. Smith is a cuck not a criminal. nt

[JenniferJuniper]

22. He can be both.

[LexVegas]

24. True. I think Smith is in a toxic relationship.

It’s affecting his mental health. He needs help.