Will Smith banned from attending Oscars for 10 years

The Board of Governors for the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences on Friday, voted to ban embattled Hollywood star, Will Smith from all Academy events including the Oscars for 10 years as part of the consequences for Smith following his slap of presenter Chris Rock during the 94th Oscars telecast.

Smith had slapped comedian and actor, Rock, during the Oscars, for making jokes about his wife, which was broadcast live around the world from the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, with over 2,500 attendees.

Shortly after the incident, which had already sparked reactions around the world after a video of the slap was posted on social media platforms around the world, Smith won the most coveted prize of the night, Best Actor, for his role in the biopic, King Richard.

After the slap, Rock said, “Will Smith just smacked the s—t out of me.” and as Smith returned to his seat beside his wife, he yelled back at the comedian to “keep my wife’s name out your f—king mouth.”

The Academy of Motion Picture Art and Sciences had condemned the actor’s actions stating that it had launched a review into the incident and then apologized to Rock.

Smith, who resigned from the Academy last week, replied soon after in a statement, saying “I accept and respect the Academy’s decision.”

In its decision today, the Academy said: “Today, the Board of Governors convened a meeting to discuss how best to respond to Will Smith’s actions at the Oscars, in addition to accepting his resignation. 

The Board has decided, for a period of 10 years from April 8, 2022, Mr. Smith shall not be permitted to attend any Academy events or programs, in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards.

“We want to express our deep gratitude to Mr. Rock for maintaining his composure under extraordinary circumstances. We also want to thank our hosts, nominees, presenters and winners for their poise and grace during our telecast.

“This action we are taking today in response to Will Smith’s behavior is a step toward a larger goal of protecting the safety of our performers and guests, and restoring trust in the Academy. 

We also hope this can begin a time of healing and restoration for all involved and impacted.”