American actor, Will Smith, has been banned from attending the Oscars for 10 years after his public stunt.
Recall that the actor prior to winning his Best actor award for his performance in the tennis biopic ‘King Richard’, had slapped comedian Chris Rock on stage while he was there to present an award after a joke was made about Will’s wife, Jada.
His ban is coming just two weeks after the slap occurred.
Will Smith is also not permitted to attend any events organised by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for the next ten years.
Some had argued that his award would be revoked after the public slap, especially since he exited the Academy voluntarily. But it doesn’t seem like it.
The President, David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson, in a letter said, “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.”
Governors from the Academy, Hollywood’s most prestigious group of some 10,000 filmmakers, which organises the Oscars, on Friday had convened to discuss actions and the decision was made.
The meeting initially was set to expel Will Smith from the board but he has since done that himself, leaving them no choice but to ban the actor.
Actors do not need to be members of the Academy to receive nominations, although each year’s Oscar nominees and winners are voted for by members of the group.
“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.
“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 read.
He will also not be present in the next year’s Oscars as it is the tradition of whoever wins Best Actor the previous year to be automatically present the following year.
In a brief statement to Hollywood trade publications, “I accept and respect the Academy’s decision,” Will Smith said.
