Billy Crystal brands Will Smith’s Oscars slap ‘assault’ and ‘most disturbing incident’

Billy hosted the ceremony in 2012 (Picture Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Billy Crystal has criticised Will Smith’s Oscars slap and called it ‘the most disturbing incident’.

The 74-year-old actor has labelled the incident at the 94th Academy Awards – which saw Will strike comedian Chris Rock after he made a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaven head on the same night he picked up his best actor prize for his role in King Richard – as ‘disturbing’.

He said: ‘It was a most disturbing incident for sure. It was an assault.
I’ve had experiences. I hosted the Grammys three times and I’ve been
thrown things..’

The City Slickers star – who has hosted the Oscars nine times over the course of his career – explained that when he was at the helm of the ceremony, he always felt that there should be a procedure in place should such an incident arise.

Speaking on Back on the Record, he added: ‘In [Oscars] pre-production, the amazing Gill Cates, we would go through – he was the producer for six of the nine that I did.

‘We would go through the rundown and I’d say, “Maybe I should be there because something might happen there. If that person wins, I should follow that.” ‘

Will has since apologised for the incident (Picture: Reuters/Brian Snyder/File Photo)

Since the incident – which is due to be reviewed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in a disciplinary meeting on Friday – the Focus star has issued an apology for his actions and officially resigned from the organisation.

He said in a statement: “I have directly responded to the Academy’s disciplinary hearing notice, and I will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct.

‘My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable. The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all those in attendance, and global audiences at home.

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‘I betrayed the trust of the Academy. I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken.

‘So, I am resigning from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and will accept any further consequences the board deems appropriate.’

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