The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will discuss “possible sanctions” against Will Smith when its board of governors meets this Friday.
The board was originally scheduled to meet on April 18, but the meeting was changed to April 8 following Smith’s resignation from the Academy, according to Variety.
The meeting comes after the actor went on stage and slapped comedian Chris Rock for making a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. A short time later, Smith returned to the stage to accept the best actor Oscar for his role in King Richard.
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While Smith resigned from the Academy last Friday after receiving a disciplinary hearing notice from the organization, no repercussions have been announced as of yet.
Variety obtained the Academy’s letter announcing the new meeting date. The memo from AMPAS President David Rubin is below:
Dear Fellow Governors,
I am calling a board meeting for this Friday morning, April 8, at 9:00 am PT, rather than the previously scheduled April 18 meeting, to address possible sanctions for Will Smith in response to his actions during the Oscars broadcast on March 27.
The April 18 date was set in accordance with California law and our Standards of Conduct because our agenda included possible suspension or expulsion of Mr. Smith from membership. We were required to provide Mr. Smith notice 15 days prior to the board meeting at which such action might be taken, and also give him the opportunity to provide the board a written statement no less than five days prior to that meeting.
Following Mr. Smith’s resignation of his Academy membership on Friday, April 1, suspension or expulsion are no longer a possibility and the legally prescribed timetable no longer applies.
It is in the best interest of all involved for this to be handled in a timely fashion.
Thank you for arranging to assemble on Friday morning at 9:00 am PT. Zoom details will follow soon.
David
