Will Smith will not be allowed to attend the Academy Awards for the next 10 years, as a result of his slapping comedian Chris Rock on stage during this year’s Oscar ceremony, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences announced.
“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,” Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson said in a statement on Friday.
The decision was made during a Board of Governors meeting held earlier in the day in Los Angeles. The meeting, initially scheduled for April 18, was expedited after Smith announced his resignation from the Academy last week.
Will Smith quits from Oscars Academy over Chris Rock slap
Will Smith apologizes to Chris Rock over slap
Smith issued a quick, concise statement on his ban from the Oscars for the next decade.
“I accept and respect the Academy’s decision,” the actor said in a statement to CNN.
The decision came following “tons of debate” on what the consequences of his on-stage slap should be, a board member tells CNN.
The Academy’s letter added: “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.”
“During our telecast, we did not adequately address the situation in the room,” the letter went on to state. “For this, we are sorry. This was an opportunity for us to set an example for our guests, viewers, and our Academy family around the world, and we fell short — unprepared for the unprecedented.”
The Board of Governors said in a previous statement that they wanted the matter to be “handled in a timely fashion.” (CNN)
