In 2016, during the Oscars ceremony, Chris Rock had already made a joke about Jada Pinkett-Smith but this year, it was the last straw! The sequence went around the world when Will Smith got up from his seat to go slap the comedian after a bad joke about his wife’s alopecia. Some netizens thought it was a sketch, but that’s not the case. Besides, the Academy of Oscars would be about to take sanctions against the actor.
A violent gesture that will not remain without consequence
A few minutes after this surreal scene, Will Smith once again took to the stage to collect his Best Actor Oscar for his role in The Williams Method. The actor gave a moving speech about peace and love and he also apologized for his gesture on Chris Rock.
Following the ceremony, the Academy of Oscars announced thatshe did not condone this gesture and condemned all forms of violence. Adding that it was important to “celebrate the winners of this 94th edition“.
Opening an investigation
According to information from The Hollywood Reporter, Will Smith can keep his Oscar. However, the Academy plans to sanction the actor for his violent gesture during the evening. Recalling that she condemns the behavior of Will Smith, she announces that she has started an in-depth examination of the incident to analyze what sanctions it will take against the actor under its regulations and California law. For now, the investigation has just begun. What could be the penalties for Will Smith?
From a criminal point of view, California law specifies thatit is illegal to strike an individual except in self-defense. Corn Chris Rock would have to decide to file a complaint. However, the actor / comedian does not seem to want it. The most likely option would be for Will Smith to be kicked out of the Academy as was the case with Harvey Weinstein. It remains to wait for the conclusions of the investigation which has just opened.
