BREAKING NEWSWill Smith Banned From Attending Any Academy Events For The Next 10 Years After Shocking Chris Rock Slap
It's judgment day for Will Smith.
Following the actor physically assaulting Chris Rock — after the comedian cracked a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith's bald head — during the live broadcast of the 94th Annual Academy Awards on Sunday, March 27, Smith will be banned from attending all Academy events for 10 years.
“The Board of Governors 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,” the The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences announced on Friday, April 8th via Page Six.
However, the committee will allow Smith to keep his Oscar for his role in King Richard despite the slap that sent shock waves around the world.
“We want to express our deep gratitude to Mr. Rock for maintaining his composure under extraordinary circumstances. We also want to thank our hosts, nominees, presenters and winners for their poise and grace during our telecast," the official statement continued.
Smith later released his own statement regarding the decision via Variety: “I accept and respect the Academy’s decision.”
As OK! previously reported, the I Am Legend star officially resigned from the Academy last week, which only barred him from voting but not being nominated and attending events.
“I have directly responded to the Academy’s disciplinary hearing notice, and I will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct," Smith explained in his response to the incident on April 1.
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"My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable. The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all those in attendance, and global audiences at home," he continued.
"So, I am resigning from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate. Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason," the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star noted.
