Academy launches review of Smith’s slap & ‘condemns the actions’

The Academy of Motion Picture Art and Sciences said Monday it was launching a "formal review" of the shocking moment when Will Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock at the Oscars. Smith -- who went on to win the best actor award -- marched onto stage during a show broadcast live around the world and hit Rock over a joke about the star's wife, in an incident that overshadowed the glitzy ceremony. "The Academy condemns the actions of Smith at last night's show," the Academy said in a statement to AFP.

"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." Celebrities from Tinseltown and beyond reacted with shock and stunned amazement to Smith's outburst, with some defending him and others condemning his "toxic masculinity." Pinkett Smith, who suffers from alopecia, didn't laugh, and her 53-year-old husband went onstage, smacking Rock with an open hand before returning to his seat.

The 94th Academy Awards was in its final hour when actor and comedian Rock made a joke about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, starring in "G.I. Jane 2" -- apparently poking fun at her shaved head. Smith tearfully apologized to his fellow nominees and the Academy -- but not Rock -- a few minutes later as he accepted the Oscar for best actor for "King Richard."