Smith, who slapped Chris Rock at the 2022 Academy Awards, could face additional consequences, including the loss of his Best Actor award.
The Oscar winner resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Friday, citing the possibility of expulsion or suspension as a result of his violent outburst last Sunday.
The slap heard around the world sent shockwaves through the entertainment business and ensnared Will, 53, in his most contentious issue to date.
Following the 2017 #MeToo movement, the Academy’s board of directors has decided to “move forward” with disciplinary actions.
This could result in Will losing his Oscar for Best Actor in a Motion Picture for King Richard, as the rules state: “May include private reprimand, public reprimand, temporary or permanent loss of privileges to attend and participate in Academy events or activities, temporary or permanent loss of eligibility to receive or hold or revocation of Academy awards or honors, temporary or permanent loss of eligibility to hold Academy service and volunteer roles, or other sanctions that the Academy in its sole discretion may deem appropriate.”
Following the stunning episode, fans flocked to Twitter, with many suggesting that the Men In Black actor should be stripped of his prize.
One said: “If #WillSmith had handed back his #oscar this morning, he might have saved his career. There were only upsides and, after all, no one is going to forget that he won one. Now he could lose it anyway and he hasn’t done enough to make us love him again.”
Another added: “If real, Will should lose his Oscar, charges filed, and boot from the academy. #WillSmith,” while one classed his “reputation” as “ruined.”
An Oscars follower then continued: “Honestly #WillSmith deserves to lose his Oscar for what he did to #ChrisRock so uncalled for and unprofessional” as another wrote: “Will Smith should lose his Oscar and donate his fee for the film to charity.”
Yet one took an opposing stance, and flagged: “If Roman Polanski and Harvey Weinstein got to keep their Oscars and they did much worse than him, then no Will Smith shouldn’t lose his Oscar. Not at all.”
Image Credit: Getty
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