The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences has banned actor Will Smith from attending the Oscars for the next 10 years after he slapped Chris Rock during a live event.
The incident comes after Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s hairstyle, comparing it to the movie G.I. Jane in which the actress Demi Moore shaved her head bald.
Smith then walked on stage and slapped Rock, leaving those in the audience speechless, and returned to his seat shouting, “Keep my wife’s name out of your f****** mouth.”
Also read: Will Smith resigns from the Academy after slapping Chris Rock
According to a statement by Academy President, David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson, a 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, as per CNN.
The statement further indicated that the 94th Oscars was meant to be a celebration of the many individuals who did incredible work this past year, however, those moments were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behaviour Mr Smith exhibited on stage.
“During our telecast, we did not adequately address the situation in the room, For this, we are sorry. 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,” the statement said.
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