Will Smith Being ‘Removed’ From the Oscars Was ‘Seriously’ Discussed, Says Insider

A source close to the industry says Will Smith being “removed” from the Oscars was discussed.

Last night was one hell of a show, for good and bad reasons. Black actors and creators took home the gold for their exemplary work in their craft, and a joke told in poor taste by comedic icon Chris Rock led to acting icon Will Smith smacking him for it. While people online continue to be torn by who’s side they should be on, news that the Academy was going to have Smith removed is making headlines.

“Keep my wife’s name out of your f***ing mouth” are the words Smith hurled at Rock after Smith smacked Rock after he joked about Pinkett-Smith starring in a G.I. Jane sequel because her hair is shaved. Many called the joke insensitive due to Pinkett-Smith’s ongoing struggle with alopecia.

According to an insider close the Oscars, organizers of the award show reportedly considered having Smith removed after the incident.

“Behind the scenes there were a lot of people, and different voices and bifurcated opinions, weighing in on what had just happened and what was the best and quickest course of action. People were also checking that Chris Rock was okay.”

“Basically there were just minutes to first figure out if it was a stunt and then try and get people on the same page — including the producers, ABC, the Academy, reps who were not all in the same place or all looking at their phones in real time, and even to see if Chris wanted to press charges,” the source explained to PEOPLE. They added that “having Will removed was definitely discussed seriously.”

“You can’t plan for something like this and make a split-second decision that needs everyone’s buy-in, and in any iteration that would have consequences,” the insider said, per PEOPLE. Rock did not press charges.