Actor will Smith refused to leave the Oscars’ ceremony after slapping presenter Chris Rock.

The star – who went on to win an Oscar – was asked to leave the show by the Academy.

However, he refused.

In a statement the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said:

“Things unfolded in a way we could not have anticipated

“While we would like to clarify that Mr. Smith was asked to leave the ceremony and refused, we also recognize we could have handled the situation differently.”

The group is meeting in mid-April to decide what action to take against Smith.

He faces accusations of “inappropriate physical contact, abusive or threatening behaviour, and compromising the integrity of the Academy.”

Suspension, expulsion, or other sanctions may be approved.

During the ceremony he slapped Rock after he made a “poor taste” joke about Smith’s wife.

After striking out Smith returned to his seat only to shout foul-mouthed abuse at the MC.

Smith has since apologized to Rock, the academy and viewers in a statement on Monday, saying he was “out of line” and “reacted emotionally.”