Will Smith finally admits to assault at Oscar

Janet Yang, current president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), said at the recent 2023 Oscar Nominees Luncheon, 'We must do justice to Will Smith for hitting Chris Rock at the 2022 Academy Awards. 'I couldn't do it,' he admitted.

“What happened on stage was completely unacceptable and our organization’s response was inadequate,” Yang said. “Through this, we hold the Academy fully transparent and accountable for our actions.” “We have learned that we must act quickly and decisively for ourselves and our industry, especially in times of crisis.”

Chris Rock, who appeared on stage as an award presenter in the documentary feature category at last year's Academy Awards, joked about Will Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Chris Rock said to Will Smith's wife, "I look forward to the sequel to GI Jane (female version of the movie 'GI Joe')." Will Smith's wife's expression hardened was caught on live camera. Afterwards, Will Smith stormed onto the stage, approached Chris Rock, slapped him in the face, and returned to his seat.

Will Smith's wife was diagnosed with hair loss in 2018 due to an autoimmune disease, and has maintained a shaved head style ever since. Will Smith responded to Chris Rock's mocking remarks about his wife's complex by assaulting him. On this day, Will Smith continued to attend the awards ceremony and even won the Best Actor Award for the movie ‘King Richard.’

Smith later apologized on April 1 of that year, saying, "I violated the trust of the Academy. I deprived the other nominees and winners of the opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their incredible achievements. I am heartbroken."

In response, the Academy announced that it would revoke Smith's AMPAS membership and ban him from attending the Oscars for 10 years, but was criticized for its somewhat delayed response.

"The 94th Oscars were meant to celebrate everyone who did amazing things over the past year, but they were overshadowed by Will Smith's unacceptable and harmful behavior on stage," he said. “It was an opportunity to set an example for the Academy family, but we fell short as we were not prepared for this unprecedented situation.”

Later, in July of the same year, Will Smith apologized again for his actions.

Will Smith appeared in Apple TV+'s 'Emancipation' and is scheduled to return in the movie 'Bad Boys 4'.

Choi Ji-ye, Ten Asia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr