“Things unfolded in a way we could not have anticipated,” the academy said. “While we would like to clarify that Mr Smith was asked to leave the ceremony and refused,we also recognise we could have handled the situation differently.”
The academy’s board of governors met on Wednesday to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Smith for violations against the group’s standards of conduct. The academy said Smith has the opportunity to defend himself in a written response before the board meets again on April 18. The academy said disciplinary action for Smith could include suspension,expulsion or other sanctions.
The film academy earliercondemned Smith’s onstage assault of Rock. But it used stronger language on Wednesday.
“Mr Smith’s actions at the 94th Oscars were a deeply shocking,traumatic event to witness in-person and on television,” the academy said. “Mr Rock,we apologise to you for what you experienced on our stage and thank you for your resilience in that moment. We also apologise to our nominees,guests and viewers for what transpired during what should have been a celebratory event.”
On Monday,Smith issued an apology to Rock,the academy and to viewers,saying “I was out of line and I was wrong.”
After calling a board of governors meeting on Monday to discuss the confrontation,the film academy said it would review Smith’s actions and “will explore further action and consequences in accordance with our bylaws,standards of conduct and California law”.