'King Richard' star Will Smith has been banned from the Oscars per April 8, 2022, for the next 10 years. The 53-year-old actor had slapped comedian Chris Rock onstage after the latter had cracked a bald joke against Jada Pinkett Smith, his wife.
In a statement released by the Academy President David Rubin and the CEO Dawn Hudson, "for a period of 10 years from April 8, 2022", actor Will Smith "shall not be permitted to attend any Academy events or programs, in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards."
In a statement released by the Academy President David Rubin and the CEO Dawn Hudson, "for a period of 10 years from April 8, 2022", actor Will Smith "shall not be permitted to attend any Academy events or programs, in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards."
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Academy has also called out the slap to be "unacceptable and harmful" while thanking Rock for remaining professional "under extraordinary circumstances".
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The duo also added that they were "unprepared" for the situation as it was broadcasted live and admitted to not addressing the issue promptly. The statement reads further, "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," it ends.
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The actor's publicist has also commented that the 'Bad Boys' star accepts and respects the board's decision. While Jada has posted that she's here for the "season of healing" on her social media a week before Academy's announcement of his ban.
Will Smith's last attendance of the Academy Awards had granted him the first Oscar trophy for his role in 'King Richard'.
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However, celebrities and the masses have slammed the actor's actions but not without defending him. Smith took to social media to publicly apologize to Chris Rock for the slap and later released a statement of his resignation from the academy last week.
In the statement he released, Smith said, "I betrayed the trust of the Academy. I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken."
