The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences announced in a statement on Friday that actor Will Smith will be banned from its ceremonies including the Oscars for the next 10 years, as a result of his slapping comedian Chris Rock on stage during this year’s Oscar ceremony.
The Academy’s 54-person board of governors held a special meeting on Friday to determine what action to take against Smith. Smith struck Rock across the face after the latter made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith, actor and Smith’s wife being cast in GI Jane 2 because of her shaved head. Pinkett has been diagnosed with alopecia areata, a condition that causes a sudden loss of hair. The actor later apologised in a statement and resigned from the Academy last week.
“The 94th Oscars were meant to be a celebration of the many individuals in our community who did incredible work this past year; however, those moments were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior we saw Mr. Smith exhibit on stage,” the latest statement from the Academy read.
“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,” the statement further read.
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Smith will, however, retain the Oscar that he earned this year for his lead performance in the film King Richard and remains eligible for future Oscar nominations and wins. Smith, replied soon after in a statement, saying “I accept and respect the Academy’s decision.”