The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Friday banned Will Smith from attending the Oscars for the next 10 years.
Smith was given the ban after slapping comedian Chris Rock on the stage at the 94th Academy Awards.
Smith is also barred from attending any future events hosted by Hollywood’s leading film studio for the next 10 years. The board, however, decided not to rescind his best actor Oscar, which he earned last month for “King Richard.”
“The Board has decided, for a period of 10 years from April 8, 2022, Mr Smith shall not be permitted to attend any events or programs, in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards,” said president David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson in a letter.
Will Smith, on the other hand, said in a statement to Hollywood trade publications, “I accept and respect the Academy’s decision.”
Smith resigns membership from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science
Smith resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences last week after his attack on Chris Rock. “I am resigning from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate.”
During the 94th Oscars Awards, actor and comedian Chris Rock made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, who stars in “G.I. Jane 2” and had a shaved head, apparently mocking her.
Pinkett Smith, however, suffers from alopecia. She was not amused by the humour.
However, her 53-year-old husband, on the other hand, stormed onstage and smacked Rock with an open palm.
A few minutes later, the actor collected the Oscar for best actor for “King Richard,” crying as he apologised to his fellow nominees and the Oscars — but not to Rock.
Also Read: Jada Pinkett wishes Will hadn’t slapped Chris Rock in Oscars 2022
