The Academy To Take Action Against Will Smith's Oscars Slap

The uproar aroused by the episode that consigned the night of the 2022 Oscars to history does not seem to subside.
A few hours after the conclusion of the ceremony, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has decided to officially express itself on the incident of Will Smith slapping Chris Rock following a joke of dubious taste pronounced by the comedian about the actor's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. The position of the Academy was entrusted to a press release, in which the explicit condemnation of the action emerges and reveals a serious analysis and consideration of the events.

Source: Christopher Polk / Variety

The press release reads: “The Academy 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.”
By virtue of this, it seems that the plaintiff may face some type of disciplinary measure. The Academy has launched a formal review of the incident, and the Standards of Conduct its members must abide by explicitly mentions "intimidation, stalking, abusive or threatening behavior, or bullying" as non-tolerated. A member who violates this behavioral standard would face significant measures, with the organization reserving the right to take disciplinary action such as suspension or expulsion.
On Monday evening, the official statement from SAG-AFTRA (the union representing actors like Will Smith and Chris Rock) also arrived.

Source: Robyn Beck / Getty Images

“As the union representing presenters and other performers working on the Oscars, SAG-AFTRA is focused on ensuring our members always work in a safe environment,” said the union. “Violence or physical abuse in the workplace is never appropriate and the union condemns any such conduct. The incident involving Will Smith and Chris Rock at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable. We have been in contact with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and ABC about this incident, and will work to ensure this behavior is appropriately addressed.”
The Academy was definitely taken aback by Will Smith's over-the-top reaction, so much so that many wondered why there was essentially no intervention during the ceremony. Many of the bystanders initially thought it was a prepared sketch, but it became clear within minutes that the situation was very different, with a gradual awareness that led to the Academy's release 24 hours later.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the board of the Academy will meet on Wednesday evening to discuss the incident and the measures to be taken, although in the current state of things it seems unlikely that Will Smith will be deprived of the statuette won with King Richard.