OSCARS: Academy rises up against Will Smith; actor risks losing

Will Smith is not getting away with the aggression he displayed on the 2022 Oscars Award night days ago.

He has apologized to the audience and fans, ignoring Chris Rock whose face he wiped while moderating the event; Rock has also said he’s not taking action against Smith.

But many think otherwise.

Marshall Herskovitz, president emeritus of the Producers Guild of America, tweeted in favour of discipline that night.

“I call upon the Academy, of which I am a member, to take disciplinary action against Will Smith. He disgraced our entire community tonight.”

The Academy has also insisted something must be done by way of discipline.

In a statement on Monday, the 9,900-member Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said it “condemns the actions of Mr. Smith at last night’s show.”

“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,” the Academy added.

The group claims it is categorically opposed to any form of abuse, harassment or discrimination’ and expects members to uphold the values ‘of respect for human dignity, inclusion, and a supportive environment that fosters creativity.”

Among the disciplinary action it may take against include suspension or expulsion from the group, revocation of Oscars, or loss of eligibility for future awards, according to the policy.

Smith won a award that night after slapping Rock for making a joke about Jada Pinkett-Smith alopecia.