INTERNATIONAL actor Will Smith has been banned from the Oscars for 10 years.
This follows him slapping comedian Chris Rock at the main event last Sunday, 27 March. The Academy has released a statement to say that the banishment was his punishment.
The statement said the actor would not be permitted to any Oscars-related events.
“The board has decided, for a period of 10 years from 8 April, Will shall not be permitted to attend any Academy events or programmes, in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards,” read the statement.
“This action we are taking, in response to Will’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,” it continued.
The Academy also apologised to Chris and everyone who attended the ceremony.
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“We want to express our deep gratitude to Chris for maintaining his composure under extraordinary circumstances. We also thank our hosts, nominees, presenters and winners for their poise and grace during our telecast.”
The controversial slap left the world shocked and asking if it were real. At the time, Chris was about to present an award and made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s bald hair, due to her struggle with alopecia.
Will then defended Jada by slapping Chris and then later shouted: “Keep my wife’s name out of your f**king mouth”. In the same night, he won Best Actor for his role as Richard on King Richard.
A day later, Will apologised to Chris and the awards.
“Violence, in all of its forms, is poisonous and destructive. My behaviour at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are a part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally,” read his apology.
