Will Smith Ready To Be Arrested by LAPD at Oscars Backstage, Show Producer Confirms
Will Smith almost faced a legal headache after the infamous Chris Rock Slap as the Los Angeles Police Department was reportedly ready to arrest him.
The Oscars 2022 attendees and viewers were literally shaken after Smith dashed on the stage to slap Rock after the comedian joked about Jada Pinkett Smith. While Rock refused to file a police complaint following the assault, the show's producer finally broke his silence and revealed that the LAPD was ready to arrest the actor at the event.
Speaking in his first televised interview with "Good Morning America," Oscars producer Will Packer revealed that the police were already on the scene and prepared to arrest the "King Richard" actor if Rock pursued battery charges.
However, the LAPD released a statement shortly after Smith received his Best Actor award, saying that Rock did not want to file a police report.
"They were saying, you know, this is a battery, was a word they used in that moment. They said, 'We will go get him. We are prepared. We're prepared to get him right now. You can press charges, we can arrest him," Packer said.
LAPD reportedly gave Rock the options, but the comedian assured them he was fine. When they asked him again whether he would like them to take any action, Rock reportedly said no.
Will Smith Faces Disciplinary Proceedings
Although Rock did not file a complaint, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences did its job by launching disciplinary proceedings against Smith over his actions during the Oscars 2022.
The Academy released a statement saying that the group could have handled the situation differently.
"Board of Governors today initiated disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Smith for violations of the Academy's Standards of Conduct, including inappropriate physical contact, abusive or threatening behavior, and compromising the integrity of the Academy," it said, as quoted by CNN.
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It also tagged Smith's actions as "deeply shocking and traumatic" before apologizing to Rock for the experienced he had on the event's stage. It then thanked the comedian for his resilience despite the shocking assault.
Another board meeting will reportedly happen on April 18, and it will determine whether the Academy may take disciplinary action against Smith. It might include suspension, expulsion, and other sanctions stated in its bylaws.
Smith has not commented on the new development yet.
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