For ten (10) years, Will Smith has received a ban from the Oscars gala and other Academy events after the actor slapped comic Chris Rock at the Oscars.
The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts and Science, which organises the awards ceremony, met virtually on Friday to discuss disciplinary action. The Academy issued a statement that (they), during the 94th Oscars had been “overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behaviour we saw Mr. Smith exhibit on stage”.
Following the decision of the Academy, Will Smith has apologetically responded in a statement, and has accepted it with respect.
“I accept and respect the Academy’s decision” – Will Smith.
Will Smith slapped Chris for making a joke about his wife as part of Chris’ stand up comedy during the Oscars. Moments after slapping Chris, Mr. Smith picked up the first Oscar of his career for playing the father of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams in King Richard.
Mr. Smith has already apologised to Chris and the Academy, and has described his act as ‘violent’ and that such act is ‘very poisonous and destructive’ to society.
