It appears that the Screen Actors Guild and America Federation Of Television and Radio Artist, the folks behind The Academy Awards, are not taking the situation between Best Actor Award Winner Will Smith and Comedian Chris Rock.
First reported by Deadline, SAG-AFTRA has condemned Will Smith’s assault of Oscar presenter Chris Rock during Sunday night’s Oscar ceremony, describing his behavior as “reprehensible” and suggesting that the matter is being looked at for disciplinary action.
Smith, who would go on to win the Oscar for Best Actor, slapped Rock in the face after he made a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
SAG-AFTRA made a full statement below:
“As the union representing presenters and other performers working on the Oscars, SAG-AFTRA is focused on ensuring our members always work in a safe environment,” SAG-AFTRA said. “Violence or physical abuse in the workplace is never appropriate and the union condemns any such conduct. The incident involving Will Smith and Chris Rock at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable. We have been in contact with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and ABC about this incident and will work to ensure this behavior is appropriately addressed. SAG-AFTRA does not comment on any pending member disciplinary process.”