Chris Rock Was Never Asked If He Wanted Will Smith Removed From Oscars Post-Slap: Sources

EXCLUSIVE: Oscars producer Will Packer told Good Morning America this morning that Will Smith was not removed from the Oscars because Chris Rock didn’t want that, but Deadline hears from reliable sources that this not the case.

Reaction To Oscars Slap: Deadline’s Full Coverage

We’re told that Packer is conflating this from a conversation that happened after Smith slapped Rock onstage, where the comic told Packer he did not want to press charges. Had he chosen to do that, the LAPD would have removed Smith and arrested him. Had Packer asked Rock if he wanted Smith removed from the building, he might have gotten a different answer.

The question of where Smith should have been left in place to receive his Best Actor Oscar and give a speech where he apologized to everyone but Rock, this never was asked of the comedian. Packer conveyed his version of events to the Academy, and no action was taken. The problem with all this is that the onus has been placed at the feet of Rock for Smith not being ejected from the Oscars, which is not the case, sources said. Rock never was asked that question by Packer.

Revelations Of Will Smith Call With Oscar Bosses Outrages Board & More

Because Smith was not removed in the moment, this drama that has marred the Oscarcast continues to be fueled by tweets and media interviews and is playing out like the Kurosawa movie Rashomon,  in terms of who said what in those tumultuous moments.

Hollywood Reacts To The Oscar Slap: Physical Assault, Say Many; “How We Do It”, Says Jaden Smith