Will Smith lawyers up, will 'beg forgiveness' from Academy, report

Actor Will Smith is reportedly preparing a written apology to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, following the announcement it will hold hearings to determine the actor's future with the organization over his on-screen slap of comedian Chris Rock at the Oscars this past weekend.

An anonymous source told The Sun that Smith and his legal team "will write an official letter to apologize, and effectively beg for their forgiveness."

“He is also expected to hold a call with show bosses in the next 24 hours," the source also said. The source also said April 18 is D-Day, on which Smith will learn whether "he still has an Oscar, and quite possibly, a career.”

The actor made headlines during the Academy Awards for slapping Chris Rock on stage after the host made a joke at his wife's expense, saying "Jada, I love you. 'G.I. Jane 2,' can’t wait to see it."

Jada Pinkett Smith has alopecia and shaves her head. Smith refused to leave the venue following the incident.

He earned his first Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in "King Richard," though his ultimate retention of the award is uncertain.

Rock has declined to press charges, though the Los Angeles Police Department has indicated it was prepared to handle a legal claim in the future should he change his mind.

"If the involved party desires a police report at a later date, LAPD will be available to complete an investigative report," the department said earlier this week. 

Smith's professional career remains uncertain, amid the possibility of "suspension, expulsion, or other sanctions permitted by the by-laws and standards of conduct," according to the Academy.

“It’s no wonder Will is seeking legal advice," The Sun's source commented. "He’s likely to need all the help he can get to avoid sanctions."