Celebrity
Will Smith Banned From The Oscars For 10 Years
His actions are branded unacceptable and harmful.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science has officially decided that for ten years, starting from April 8th, 2022, Will Smith will not be allowed to attend any Academy events or programs, whether in person or virtually. This verdict comes as Smith smacked Chris Rock on stage for joking about Jada Pinkett Smith’s bald head.
Jada has alopecia and has spoken openly about her struggles with her hair. So as Chris made a joke about the condition, Smith stormed the stage and slapped the comedian across the face, leaving the audience stunned.
The incident resulted in avalanches of takes and has continually been analyzed by the public. The Academy had even been slammed for how it responded in the immediate aftermath. Although they initially claimed that Smith refused to leave the ceremony when he was urged to. However, reports later disputed the actor was asked to formally leave.
Oscars producer Will Parker said the academy had planned physically to remove Smith from the ceremony until he stepped in.
In a newly released statement, the academy’s president, David Rubin, and its CEO Dawn Hudson have both said: “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.
They branded Smith’s actions “unacceptable and harmful” and thanked Chris for keeping his composure “under extraordinary circumstances.”
Both Rubin and Hudson also acknowledged they did not “adequately address” the incident during the telecast, revealing they were unprepared for the unprecedented.”
They added: “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.” It’s reported that Smith, according to his publicist, has accepted and respected the academy’s decision.
However, the actor resigned from the Academy last Friday and said he would accept any disciplinary actions the academy takes against him.
In his statement obtained by Variety, he had written: “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. I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken.”
