According to an announcement made by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the discussion on how to penalize actor Will Smith following the slapping incident that occurred at the Oscars on March 27 has been moved forward. In a letter to academy members, president David Rubin announced that the originally scheduled meeting on April 18 had been rescheduled for April 8.

Variety obtained a copy of the memo, which stated:


“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.” 

Smith, 53, resigned as a member from the Academy earlier this month after hitting comedian Chris Rock in the face during a live telecast after Rock made a crude joke about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.

Despite the actor's departure from the organization and subsequent apology, the Academy might still punish him for slapping Rock, 57, onstage in front of the entire world.

Any disciplinary action taken against Smith may make him ineligible for future awards consideration, as well as prevent him from attending next year's Academy Awards.

After the event, Smith received the Oscar for Best Actor for his role as the father of tennis pros Venus and Serena Williams in "King Richard" at this year's ceremony.