The Motion Picture Academy is opening a formal review into the act of violence that took place on their stage last night.
The Academy issued a condemnation of violence as well.
In a statement they said:
“The academy condemns the actions of Mr. Smith at last night’s show,” the organization said in a statement. “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.”
There is some sentiment on line that the Oscar Will Smith received should be revoked because of his behavior. Frankly, it’s amazing he hasn’t been arrested. If he’d done that in a Broadway theater during performance, for example, he’d have spent the night in the pokey.
Smith’s acceptance speech for his Oscar tried to rationalize his behavior by saying he was defending his family. But what kind of role model is that? The Academy will have to decide if they’re going to condone what happened up there on the stage.
Smith felt no contrition. Not only didn’t he apologize to Chris Rock, he went out and partied all night. Vanity Fair welcomed him, photographed him, and encouraged him.
