Academy Comments on Will Smith's Oscars Slap as Rumors Swirl That His Award Could Be Taken Away

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which is the organization behind the Oscars, is responding to the controversial fight between Will Smith and Chris Rock during the show.

Chris made a joke about Will‘s wife Jada Pinkett Smith while presenting, which led him to jump on stage and slap the comedian.

The LAPD has already issued a comment on the assault and whether charges will be filed against Will. Now, the Academy is speaking out amid rumors that Will‘s Oscar could be taken away.

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The New York Post reports that Will “may be asked to hand back his Best Actor” award after the fight. The source said, “It’s basically assault. Everyone was just so shocked in the room, it was so uncomfortable. I think Will would not want to give his Oscar back, but who knows what will happen now.”

The Academy reportedly has “strict guidelines in its code of conduct,” which were released in 2017 after the sexual misconduct scandals in Hollywood.

“Academy membership is a privilege offered to only a select few within the global community of filmmakers. In addition to achieving excellence in the field of motion picture arts and sciences, members must also behave ethically by upholding the Academy’s values of respect for human dignity, inclusion, and a supportive environment that fosters creativity,” AMPAS CEO Dawn Hudson wrote to members at the time.

So, what is the Academy saying about Will‘s fight?

The Academy released a statement on late Sunday night in which they condemned the violence, but didn’t say anything else.

“The Academy does not condone violence of any form,” the statement read. “Tonight we are delighted to celebrate our 94th Academy Awards winners, who deserve this moment of recognition from their peers and movie lovers around the world.”

Will‘s son Jaden Smith spoke out after the viral moment.