The academy’s board, which met Wednesday, said it had also instituted disciplinary proceedings against Smith for breaches of the team’s standards of conduct. Many questioned why Smith was allowed to remain in the front row of the Oscars after the incident. On Wednesday, the Academy suggested that it try to remove the actor from the audience. “Things turned out in a way we could not have predicted,” the academy said. “While we would like to make it clear that Mr Smith was asked to leave the ceremony and refused, we also acknowledge that we could have handled the situation differently.” The academy said Smith had the opportunity to defend himself in a written response before the board met again on April 18. The academy said disciplinary action against Smith could include suspension, expulsion or other sanctions. The film academy earlier condemned Smith’s attack on the Rock stage. But he used stronger language on Wednesday. “Mr. Smith’s actions at the 94th Academy Awards were a deeply shocking, traumatic event that is being watched in person and on television,” the academy said in a statement. “Mr. Rock, we apologize for what you experienced on our stage and thank you for your resilience at that time. We also apologize to our candidates, guests and spectators for what happened during a festive event. “ Smith shocked viewers of Sunday’s awards show when he took to the stage and slapped Rock in the face. Rock had made a joke a few moments earlier with Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, who was making fun of her short hairstyle. Pinkett Smith was open about alopecia-related hair loss. Within an hour, Smith won the Best Actor award, receiving applause. During his five-minute introductory speech, Smith spoke in defense of his family and apologized to the Academy, but did not mention Rock. The aftermath in Hollywood continues, with many stars condemning the violence on stage. Wada Sykes, who co-hosted the Oscars with Amy Sumer and Regina Hall, said she felt physically ill after being slapped. In an interview with Ellen DeGeneres scheduled for Thursday, Sykes also said that Smith should not be allowed to stay and accept his award. On Monday, Smith apologized to Rock, the Academy and the audience, saying: “I was off the line and I made a mistake.” “I am deeply sorry that my behavior has tarnished what was an otherwise wonderful journey for all of us. “I’m a project in progress,” Smith said in an Instagram post. Jada Pinkett Smith, meanwhile, called for “treatment.” Rock has not yet commented publicly on the incident, but does not make any allegations. The comedian was set to begin a series of performances Wednesday night in Boston, his first since the Oscars.
