Academy ‘Condemns’ Will Smith, Starts ’Formal Review' of Slapping Incident

This combination of pictures created on March 28, 2022 shows actor Will Smith (R) approaching actor Chris Rock during the 94th Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Calif., on March 27, 2022. Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images

The group that oversees the Academy Awards on March 28 said it will carry out a “formal review” after actor Will Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock during the March 27 awards ceremony.

“The Academy condemns the actions of Mr. Smith at last night’s show,“ said the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences 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.”