The women in Will Smith’s life are speaking out about his controversial actions at the 94th Academy Awards on Sunday (March 27).
In case you missed it, Chris Rock made a GI Jane joke about Will’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith while he was onstage to present an award. Will then got on stage and hit Chris. Upon returning to his seat, Will directed expletive-laden shouts towards Chris.
On Tuesday (March 29), Jada broke her silence on the incident. Taking to social media, she wrote a short statement. She simply stated on her Instagram:
“This is a season for healing and I’m here for it.”
Will’s mother Caroline Bright, whom he mentioned in his tearful Best Actor acceptance speech that evening following the incident, has also released a statement regarding her son’s actions.
Speaking to ABC Philadelphia affiliate WPVI, Caroline expressed her surprise at what he did, stating:
“He is a very even, people person. That’s the first time I’ve ever seen him go off. First time in his lifetime… I’ve never seen him do that.
I am proud of him being him.”
Caroline also shared how happy she was at her son’s Best Actor win:
“I know how he works, how hard he works… I’ve been waiting and waiting and waiting. When I heard the name, I was just, ‘Yes!’”
And The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has made their stance clear on the confrontation that took place during their annual ceremony this weekend.
After previously releasing an official statement on Monday, the Academy released a letter on Tuesday (March 29), reiterating that they condemn Will’s actions and giving an update on where they are in their investigation:
Dear Members,
Sunday’s telecast of the 94th Oscars was meant to be a celebration of the many individuals in our community who did incredible work this past year. We are upset and outraged that those moments were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior on stage by a nominee. To be clear, we condemn Mr. Smith’s actions that transpired Sunday night.
As outlined in our bylaws, the Academy’s Board of Governors will now make a determination on appropriate action for Mr. Smith. As governed by California law regarding members of nonprofit organizations like the Academy, and set forth in our Standards of Conduct, this must follow an official process that will take a few weeks.
We will continue to update you on any developments, but we also ask that you respect your Board, Academy staff and the process as this unfolds so it can work in the considered way it was intended and mandated. Please trust that the Board of Governors will conduct this process in a manner that is both expedient and respectful of all involved while maintaining the standards of the Academy.
Thank you,
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
David Rubin, President
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
Dawn Hudson
CEO
