After the Chris Rock slap incident, the Academy announced that Will Smith has been banned from the Oscars for the next 10 years. They explained that this decision was taken as a disciplinary action for slapping Chris Rock at the 2022 ceremony.
The board members from the Academy announced, “not be permitted to attend any events or programs, in person or virtually,” so, for the next 10 years Will Smith will not be able to attend all Oscars events including future Academy Awards. The Academy authority called Smith’s behavior at the March 27 ceremony “unacceptable and harmful.” The organization also mentioned that this declaration “is a step toward a larger goal of protecting the safety of our performers and guests, and restoring trust in the Academy.”
After hearing this announcement, the King Richard star has spoken out about this 10-Year ban from all Oscar events. Smith shared his response, “I accept and respect the Academy’s decision.” The 53-year-old star also resigned from the Academy and forfeited his ability to vote in future Oscars.
Last month during Oscars 2022 Smith confronted comedian Chris Rock onstage who made a joke about Will Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved hair. After that Smith couldn’t control his temper and slapped Rock across the face on the stage. However, he apologized to the Academy and his fellow nominees for his earlier actions. A day later Smith also shared a written statement where he apologized to Rock.
The statement stated, “Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive,” he wrote. “Jokes at my expense are a part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally.” The actor also added, “I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.”