Arts & CultureEntertainmentNewsAcademy Bans Will Smith For 10 Years Over Slap

Hollywood actor, Will Smith has been banned from attending the Oscars for the next 10 years, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences announced in a statement.

This was the Academy’s response to the buzz-killing, shock-inducing scene of Smith, 53, striking comedian Chris Rock, 57, and cursing him live on camera before millions watching the Oscars on Sunday, March 27.

The decision was made during a Board of Governors meeting held on Friday in Los Angeles.

The meeting, initially scheduled for April 18, was fast-tracked after Smith announced his resignation from the Academy last week, days after apologizing to Rock, describing his actions at the Oscars as “shocking, painful and inexcusable.”

In his resignation statement, Smith said he had “betrayed the trust of the Academy” and was “heartbroken” over his actions. He added he would “fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct.”

In the statement announcing its decision, the Academy said that the 94th Academy Awards show was “overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior” exhibited by Smith. So he’s persona non grata for the next decade, forbidden from attending “any Academy events or programs, in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards.”

It went further to state that banning Smith was aimed at protecting performers and guests and “restoring trust in the Academy.”

The Academy also apologized for its own missteps, stating that at the time of the slap it did not “adequately address the situation in the room” and had been “unprepared for the unprecedented.”

It also thanked Rock for “maintaining his composure under extraordinary circumstances.”

The Board’s decision as set out in the statement, however, did not revoke the best actor award Smith won last month for “King Richard”, nor did it mention any ban on future Oscar nominations.

Reacting to the decision of the Academy to ban him from its events for the next decade, Smith issued a quick, concise statement: “I accept and respect the Academy’s decision.”

Typically, the previous year’s best actor winner presents the current year’s best actress award (and the reigning best actress presents to the best actor trophy). With Smith’s ban, the Oscars might have to break that tradition.

Beyond the Academy’s actions, at least two studios – Sony and Netflix – are pausing their projects with Smith.