Will Smith refused to leave Oscars after slapping Chris Rock, Academy says

According to the Academy, Will Smith was asked to leave after his violent outburst towards fellow entertainer Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars but refused to do so. The event's organising body also said it had initiated "disciplinary proceedings" against the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air actor

Will Smith slapped Chris Rock after the comic made a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved head, a result of the hair-loss condition alopecia.

The actor - who won the first Oscar of his career at the ceremony - has since apologised in a lengthy post shared on his Instagram.

In its statement, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said: "Mr Smith was asked to leave the ceremony and refused, [but] we also recognize we could have handled the situation differently."

It also announced it had "initiated disciplinary proceedings against Mr Smith for violations of the Academy's Standards of Conduct".

These include inappropriate physical contact, abusive or threatening behaviour, and compromising the integrity of the Academy, it said.

The Academy said action may be taken at its next board meeting on 18 April. That may include "suspension, expulsion, or other sanctions," the statement said.

It also apologised directly to Chris Rock, as well as nominees, guests and viewers.