The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has banned Oscar-winning actor Will Smith from attending any of its events for 10 years after he slapped comedian and host Chris Rock at the Oscar ceremony last month.
Smith reacted violently and let alose a foul-mouthed rant after Rock cut a joke about Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s hair loss caused by alopecia.
In a statement, the Academy said this year’s ceremony was “overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behaviour we saw Mr Smith exhibit on stage”. It also thanked Rock for “maintaining his composure under extraordinary circumstances”.
Smith later apologized for his action and resigned from the Academy. In his resignation letter, he said that through his action, he had “betrayed the trust of the Academy” and that he feels “heartbroken”. He also said he would “fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct”.
Resigning from the Academy also means that Will Smith will no longer be able to vote at the Oscars.
Almost an hour after the incident, Smith was handed the Best Actor award for his performance in the movie King Richard (2021), a sports drama in which he plays the role of Richard Williams, father of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams.