Will Smith Refuses to Leave at Organizer's Request After Assault

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Hollywood actor Will Smith, who caused an assault incident at this year's Academy Awards ceremony, was reportedly asked to leave by the organizers but refused.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), which oversees the Academy Awards, issued a statement on the 30th (local time), according to AP News and others.

On the 27th, at the 94th Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles (LA), Smith stormed the stage and slapped comedian Chris Rock after Rock made a joke about Smith's wife, who had shaved her head due to hair loss symptoms.

Even after the assault, Smith remained seated in the front row of the ceremony and later won the Best Actor award. In its statement, AMPAS said, "We want to make it clear that Smith was asked to leave the ceremony at that time but refused."

It added, "Smith's assault was a shocking incident witnessed directly by attendees and broadcast live on TV," and "disciplinary actions may include suspension or expulsion of membership and other sanctions."

The Academy also extended an official apology to the victim, Rock.

The level of disciplinary action against Smith is expected to be decided at the board meeting on the 18th of next month. However, even if AMPAS disciplines Smith, it is unlikely that the Best Actor award will be revoked based on past cases.

In Hollywood, criticism of Smith continued on the same day. Wanda Sykes, co-host of the ceremony, said, "I am still shaken by that incident," and added, "It was an outrageous situation that Smith stayed seated enjoying the ceremony and received an award even after slapping Rock."

Meanwhile, Rock, who was slapped by Smith, performed his comedy show in Boston for the first time since the assault incident.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.