Trending 28th March 2022 by Adele Miner

The Academy Has Released A Statement Following Will Smith’s Behaviour At The Show

"The Academy does not condone violence of any form"

It’s the smack that was heard around the world. Will Smith and Chris Rock’s altercation was the topic of discussion for a lot of people today, with many turning their attention to the Academy, and their reaction, or rather lack of, to the situation.

Although we’re sure you don’t need one, to recap briefly last night during the 94th Academy Awards Show host Chris Rock made a joke referring to Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved hair, an effect of suffering from alopecia which she has been open about in the past. During the joke Chris said:

“Jada, can’t wait for GI Jane 2”

To which Will responds by approaching Chris on the stage and slapping him in the face, before returning to his seat and shouting to “Keep my wife’s name out of your f****** mouth.”

Many believed that Will should have been reprimanded during the ceremony, despite going on to win Best Actor. Putting pressure on The Academy to respond, the organisation tweeted the following:

In response, however, many felt like their acknowledgment still wasn’t enough. Here’s what some responded to the tweet with:

“You watched and broadcast a live assault to millions of people around the world, then awarded a man who committed said assault immediately afterwards without removing him from the building or having him arrested for the crime. That’s the definition of condoning the violence.”

“Academy: We don’t condone violence. Also the Academy: We celebrate Will Smith though.” said another person.

“You condoned it. You allowed Will Smith to sit there and then gave a major award which he accepted with a bizarre speech attempting to excuse his assault.”

The latest update in the situation is that Chris Rock declined to file a complaint against Will Smith to the Los Angeles Police Department.

 

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