Will Smith and Academy leaders discussed Oscars slap at emergency board meeting

The Academy said it asked Will Smith to leave the Oscars ceremony following the incident, but he refused. Others disputed the characterisation of events. Photo: AFP

Leaders of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences met with Will Smith on Tuesday (March 29) to discuss his attack on Chris Rock, individuals with knowledge of the matter told Variety.

Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson talked to the actor on Zoom about the fallout from the assault during Sunday's Oscars telecast. The talk lasted for roughly 30 minutes, according to a source. Another source familiar with the meeting said only that the conversation was "brief".