According To The Academy, Will Smith ‘Refused’ To Leave The Oscars After Slapping Chris Rock

US actor Will Smith accepts the award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for "King Richard" onstage during the 94th Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood
(Photo by Robyn Beck Getty Images)

New information is being reported on Will Smith’s historic Oscar night.

New York Daily News reports, after Will slapped Chris Rock, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences asked Will to leave, but he “refused.” In a statement obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, the Academy said they would “initiate disciplinary proceedings” against Smith for the slap.”Whoopi Goldberg, who is a member of the board, said Will wouldn’t have his Oscar taken away , however, he’ll face “big consequences.”

On Sunday, March 27Will walked on stage and smacked Chris across the face. The assault came after Chris made a joke that he was looking forward to a sequel to “G.I. Jane,” which was ultimately a jab at Jada Pinkett-Smith’s shaved head. When Will sat back down, he shouted to Chris, “keep my wife’s name out of your f*** mouth.”

Will also won his first Oscar for Best Actor in King Richard. When he accepted his speech, he delivered a tearful apology to the Academy, and the following day, he wrote an apology to Chris via a social media post. Jada also seemingly spoke out, and Will plans on addressing the matter more on his wife’s show, Red Table Talk.