Oscars launch 'formal review' of Will Smith after Chris Rock incident

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has launched a formal review of Will Smith allegedly slapping host Chris Rock in the face during Sunday’s Oscars ceremony, reports Variety.

“The Academy condemns the actions of Mr. Smith at last night’s show,” a spokesperson for the organization said. “We have officially started a formal review around the incident and will explore further action and consequences in accordance with our Bylaws, Standards of Conduct and California law.”

Smith may face some type of disciplinary action or sanction. However, Variety reports it is unlikely he will have to forfeit the Oscar he won later that evening.

The veteran actor stormed the stage after Rock made a joke about the shaved head of the actor’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Jada had previously said she was struggling with alopecia, an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss.

Smith later won best actor for his performance in “King Richard,” a film about the family of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams, where he tearfully apologized for his outburst.

“In your highest moments, be careful, that’s when the devil comes for you,” Smith said, recalling what his friend Denzel Washington told him shortly after the altercation.

The Academy had also made a statement after the incident on Sunday night, saying: “The Academy does not condone violence of any form. Tonight we are delighted to celebrate our 94th Academy Awards winners, who deserve this moment of recognition from their peers and movie lovers around the world.”