The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has revealed that Will Smith was asked to leave the Oscars Sunday night after he slapped Chris Rock, but that the actor refused to go.

The Academy’s admission came after its board of governors met Wednesday to discuss the incident. In a publicly released statement addressing the affair, the organization claimed,

“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 Academy said that it had began disciplinary proceedings against Smith “for violations of the Academy’s standards of conduct, including inappropriate physical contact, abusive or threatening behavior, and compromising the integrity of the Academy.”

The organization said that Smith would be granted a chance to respond at its next board meeting, on April 18, and that they “may take any disciplinary action, which may include suspension, expulsion, or other sanctions.”

The hours-long meeting of the board of governors on Wednesday was described by attendees as “emotional." Those present noted that it was their obligation “to not normalize violence."

The Academy went on to apologize to Rock directly, continuing in their statement,

“Mr. Smith’s actions at the ninety fourth Oscars were a deeply shocking, traumatic event to witness in-person and on television. Mr. Rock, we apologize to you for what you experienced on our stage and thank you for your resilience in that moment.”

Rock drew praise in the aftermath of the incident for his "grace under pressure". He had stayed onstage after he was struck and quipped to the stunned audience,

"That was the greatest night in the history of television."

Rock then went on with the show, and has since declined to press charges against Smith.