Academy says ‘Smith was asked to leave’ after he slapped Chris Rock

Actor Will Smith was asked to leave immediately after he slapped Chris rock, but refused

The academy’s board of directors says disciplinary proceedings have been initiated, noting Smith’s actions go against the group’s standards of conduct.

In a statement, the Academy says: “things unfolded in a way we could not anticipate we would like to clarify Mr Smith was asked to leave the ceremony but refused”

The Academy also acknowledges that it could have handled the situation differently.