The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences did not ask Will Smith to leave for slapping Chris Rock, as per TMZ reports. Initially, the Academy claimed that Smith was asked to leave, and refused, saying “Things unfolded in a way we could not have anticipated. While we would like to clarify that Mr Smith was asked to leave the ceremony and refused, we also recognize we could have handled the situation differently.”

Despite the Academy’s statement, which came on Tuesday, sources close to the incident told TMZ that Oscars show producer Will Packer told Smith he could stay on at the ceremony. However, some officials did want him to leave though reportedly, the Academy didn’t reach a consensus. 

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Previously TMZ had reported that David Rubin, president of the Academy, and CEO Dawn Hudson had both asked Smith to leave, engaging in a shouting match backstage with Smith’s representatives, over the actor’s assault on the comedian. 

Rock was presenting the Oscar for Best Documentary when he made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s hair, saying Will Smith’s wife could be in the next ‘GI Jane’ movie. 

The film shows Demi Moore shaving her head in a quest to break the glass ceiling and become a Navy SEAL. Pinkett Smith has hair similar to the style sported by Moore in the movie, but Smith’s wife has always been open about her struggle with alopecia, a condition where an individual experiences massive hair loss. 

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Smith went and hit Rock before retaking his seat and saying “Keep my wife’s name out of your f**king mouth”. The actor went up on stage a little later to accept the award for his role in ‘King Richard‘. Smith apologized for his actions then and has also issued a public apology to Rock. 

The comedian hasn’t filed a complaint, but the Academy has condemned Smith’s actions, saying they don’t condone any form of violence. The ‘Bad Boys’ actor also faces an Academy investigation, despite resigning over this altercation.