Will Smith banned from Oscars gala, Academy events for 10 years after Chris Rock slap
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The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has banned Will Smith from attending any Academy events, including the Academy Awards, for a period of 10 years following his assault on comedian Chris Rock at last month’s Oscars.
The board of governors of the organization made the announcement on Friday after Smith resigned from the Academy last week.
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“In addition to accepting his resignation, 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,” a letter from Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson read.
“I accept and respect the Academy’s decision,” Smith said in response to the decision.
In its letter, the Academy acknowledged it did not handle the altercation “adequately.”
“For this, we are sorry,” the note continued. “This was an opportunity for us to set an example for our guests, viewers and our Academy family around the world, and we fell short — unprepared for the unprecedented.”
Smith attacked Rock onstage at the 94th annual Academy Awards after the Saturday Night Live alum made a joke about his wife’s hair, comparing her look to actress Demi Moore’s bald head in G.I. Jane. It was unclear whether Rock was aware that Jada Pinkett Smith suffers from alopecia, a condition that causes hair loss.
Later in the night, Smith gave a tearful speech on stage as he accepted the Best Actor award for his role in King Richard, apologizing to his fellow nominees and the Academy, but not Rock. After the broadcast, he was seen dancing at Vanity Fair’s annual post-Oscars party.
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Smith apologized the next day to the comic in a lengthy Instagram message in which he said he “reacted emotionally.”
The day after the ceremony, PEOPLE reported that organizers considered removing Smith from the broadcast.
“Behind the scenes there were a lot of people, and different voices and bifurcated opinions, weighing in on what had just happened and what was the best and quickest course of action. People were also checking that Chris Rock was OK,” a source said. “Having Will removed was definitely discussed seriously.”
In its letter Friday, the Academy expressed its “deep gratitude to Mr. Rock for maintaining his composure under extraordinary circumstances.”
The group also thanked its “hosts, nominees, presenters and winners for their poise and grace during our telecast.”
After his resignation last week, Smith said he would accept any additional punishment the Academy handed down.
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