Motion Pictures Academy condemns Will Smith's slap, launches review

The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences on Monday condemned Will Smith for slapping presenter Chris Rock during the Oscars on Sunday evening and announced plans to launch an investigation into the incident.

"The Academy condemns the actions of Mr. Smith at last night’s show. We have officially started a formal review around the incident and will explore further action and consequences in accordance with our bylaws, standards of conduct and California law," the film academy said in a statement The Associated Press obtained.

Smith slapped Rock after the comedian made a joke about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. He to the audience, "Jada, I love you. 'G.I. Jane 2,' can’t wait to see it."

Jada Pinkett Smith has alopecia and shaves her head.

Smith got up, slapped Rock and yelled twice, "Get my wife’s name out your f*****g mouth!"

A stunned Rock said, "Will Smith just slapped the s**t out of me."

The academy's statement comes after the group tweeted Sunday evening that it "does not condone violence of any form," adding, "Tonight we are delighted to celebrate our 94th Academy Awards winners, who deserve this moment of recognition from their peers and movie lovers around the world."