Academy Says Response To Will Smith’s Oscar Slap Was “Inadequate”
Academy President Janet Yang explains why she feels that the organization's response to award-winning actor Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the 2022 ceremony was "inadequate."
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Yang addressed the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences about the immediate actions after the incident last year while attending the 2023 Oscars Nominees Luncheon.
“As I’m sure you all remember, we experienced an unprecedented event at the Oscars,” Yang said. “What happened on stage was wholly unacceptable and the response from the organization was inadequate. We learned from this that the Academy must be fully transparent and accountable in our actions and particularly in times of crisis.”
“We must act swiftly, compassionately and decisively for ourselves and for our industry. You should and can expect no less from us going forward,” she added. “We are committed to maintaining the highest of standards while creating the changes we wish to see in our industry.”
In Mar. 2022, Smith walked on stage at the Oscars and slapped Chris Rock in the face as he presented an award after he made a joke about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved head. Before he walked on stage and hit Rock, Smith shouted from his front-row seat: "Keep my wife's name out your f---ing mouth!"
Since then, Smith has apologized several times for his behavior and resigned from the Academy. He was also banned from appearing at any events hosted by the Academy for 10 years.
