WHAT! Will Smith BANNED From Attending Oscars For Next 10-years For Slapping Chris Rock On Stage, Actor Issues Statement
Will Smith is also not permitted to attend any other events held by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences over the next decade
Will Smith’s fit of anger on Chris Rock at the 94th Academy Awards has now witnessed grave consequences. In a rather shocking turn of events, Will was banned on Friday from attending the Oscars for the next 10 years, two weeks after the actor stunned the world by storming on stage mid-ceremony to slap the comedian Chris Rock.
Smith is also not permitted to attend any other events held by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences over the next decade.
The Board's decision as set out in a letter from Academy chiefs did not revoke the best actor award Smith won last month for "King Richard," nor did it mention any ban on future Oscar nominations.
"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," wrote president David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson.
The recent development comes after the Academy Academy governors convened on Friday morning to discuss actions against Smith. Board members Steven Spielberg and Whoopi Goldberg are among those invited to rule on the actor's fate.
The meeting of top brass from Hollywood's leading industry body was originally set to discuss suspending or expelling Smith, but he preemptively resigned from the group.
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. Smith's actions during a live global broadcast stunned audiences and cast a shadow over both the night's big winners and the Tinseltown showcase event itself.
"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 behaviour we saw Mr Smith exhibit on stage," said the Academy letter.
It added: "This action we are taking today in response to Will Smith's behaviour 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."
"I accept and respect the Academy's decision," Smith said in a statement as per PEOPLE.
Some had called for Smith to be stripped of his best actor Oscar, which he won for his performance in the tennis biopic "King Richard" less than an hour after striking Rock on the same stage.
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