Will Smith refused to leave Oscars ceremony after Chris Rock slap, Academy says

msn.com:

Will Smith was asked to leave Sunday's Oscars after hitting Chris Rock but refused, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has said. It comes as many questioned why the former Fresh Prince was allowed to remain seated in the front row after the incident. "Things unfolded in a way we could not have anticipated," the academy said in a statement. "While we would like to clarify that Mr Smith was asked to leave the ceremony and refused, we also recognise we could have handled the situation differently. "The Academy's board of governors confirmed they have begun "disciplinary proceedings" against the actor for violating the group's standards of conduct.

Smith has the opportunity to defend himself in a written response before the board meets on 18 April. Actions against Smith could include suspension, expulsion, or other sanctions.

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