Will Smith has been banned from the Oscars for 10 years, according to People magazine. The Academy’s decision comes after Smith slapped Chris Rock on stage at the 94th Academy Awards on March 27.
“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,” Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson said in a letter, according to People.
The Academy also apologized for failing to “adequately address the situation in the room” during the telecast.
“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 Academy leaders wrote.
Rubin and Hudson also apologized to Rock.
“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 executives wrote.
The actor lost his composure at the Oscars when Rock made a joke in reference to Jada Pinkett Smith’s hair loss. Jada, Will’s longtime wife, has been speaking up about her challenge with alopecia, the condition which has caused her to lose her hair, as Blavity previously reported.
Will apologized to Rock days later and resigned from the Academy.
“I have directly responded to the Academy’s disciplinary hearing notice, and I will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct,” he said in a statement. “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. I betrayed the trust of the Academy.”