Academy "condemns" Will Smith's actions at Oscars, says it's launching a formal review

The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences said Monday that it "condemns" Will Smith's actions at the Oscars and is launching a formal review into his conduct, according to the Associated Press. Smith shocked audiences on Sunday when he walked on stage and smacked comedian Chris Rock, who had just made a joke about his wife. 

"The Academy condemns the actions of Mr. Smith at last night's show," the organization said in a statement obtained by the AP.  "We have officially started a formal review around the incident and will explore further action and consequences in accordance with our bylaws, standards of conduct and California law."

The review comes following intense public debate about whether Smith's actions were justified or unwarranted. Smith could be sanctioned if he is found to be at fault during the review, but it's not yet clear if the Academy would go as far as to take away the "Best Actor" award he won later that night.