Will Smith Has Been Barred From Attending The Academy Awards For A Decade.

The Academy of motion picture arts and sciences has taken disciplinary action against Will Smith over his disreputable Oscar slap

Following a meeting to address Will Smith’s slap of Chris Rock during the 94th Academy Awards last month, the academy said on  Friday, April 8th that he will be barred from attending the Oscars and any other Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences event for next 10 years.

By Sarah Imhanze

Smith hit Chris Rock after the presenter made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s bald head, referencing Demi Moore’s role in the 1997 film “G.I. Jane.” Pinkett Smith, 50, has a struggle with alopecia. 

Will Smith had earlier resigned from the Academy. 

The board statement reads as follows; 

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 behavior we saw Mr. Smith exhibit 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.

Today, the Board of Governors convened a meeting to discuss how best to respond to Will Smith’s actions at the Oscars, in addition to accepting his resignation.

The Board has decided, for 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

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.

This action we are taking today in response to Will Smith’s behavior 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.