Oscars academy to discuss moves against Will Smith earlier

Will Smith gave Chris Rock a resounding slap in the face at the Oscars. The academy now wants to discuss possible consequences earlier.

According to a media report, after the slap scandal surrounding Will Smith (53), the Oscar Academy would like to discuss possible measures against the actor earlier than planned.

The meeting should take place this Friday – and thus ten days earlier than originally planned, according to a letter from Academy President David Rubin, from which the US broadcaster “CNN” quoted.

Will Smith announced his departure from the Academy last Friday. “It is in the best interests of everyone involved that this matter be dealt with expeditiously,” Rubin was quoted as saying by CNN.

Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock onstage at the Oscars on March 27 after he made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett. Shortly thereafter, Smith was awarded best actor for his role in the tennis drama “King Richard”.

Two days later, the board of directors met and announced the initiation of disciplinary proceedings. Smith’s conduct at the awards ceremony violated Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences guidelines, a statement said. A possible consequence would have been the actor’s exclusion from the association.

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