Robyn Beck | Afp | Getty Images Will Smith has been banned from attending the Oscars for the next decade after slapping Chris Rock during the ceremony last month. On Friday, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences called Smith’s behavior “unacceptable” in a letter to members of the organization, saying the recent Oscar winner would not be allowed in events or events hosted by the group for 10 years. “This action we are taking today in response to Will Smith’s conduct is a step towards a broader goal of protecting the safety of our artists and guests and restoring confidence in the Academy,” the Academy wrote in a letter to members. which was received by NBC. News. Smith confronted Rock on stage after the comedian made a joke about the haircut of Jada Pinkett Smith, Smith’s wife. Pinkett Smith has alopecia, a skin condition that can lead to hair loss. After hitting Rock, Smith returned to his seat and screamed at the star compatriot. The Academy’s board was originally scheduled to meet on April 18 to discuss possible disciplinary action, including possible suspension or expulsion from the organization. Last week, however, Smith resigned from the Academy, calling his actions “shocking, painful and unforgivable.” Smith apologized to the Academy and its nominees in his acceptance speech for Best Actor, which he won for his portrayal of Richard Williams in “King Richard.” He apologized to Rock via social media the day after the ceremony. Rock, meanwhile, avoided commenting too deeply on the slap. He told a crowd at a comedy show in Boston last week that “what was happening was still being worked out.” “During our TV show, we did not adequately address the situation in the room,” the Academy said in a letter on Friday. “For this, we are sorry. This was an opportunity for us to set an example for our guests, the spectators and the family of our Academy around the world, and we lost – unprepared for the unprecedented.” The academy said Smith refused to leave the ceremony after hitting the comedian. However, there are conflicting reports as to whether Smith was actually asked to leave or whether he was simply offered to leave before being invited to the award class. The Los Angeles Police Department was ready to arrest Smith at the awards ceremony on Sunday, according to one of the series’ producers, but Rock declined to comment. Read the full letter of the Academy: The 94th Oscars were going to be a celebration for the many people in our community who did an incredible job last year. However, these moments were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior that we saw Mr. Smith exhibit on stage. During our TV show, we did not adequately address the situation in the room. For that, we are sorry. This was an opportunity for us to set an example for our guests, the spectators and the family of our Academy around the world, and we were left – unprepared for the unprecedented. Today, the Board of Governors convened a meeting to discuss how to better respond to Will Smith’s actions at the Oscars, in addition to accepting his resignation. The Board has decided that for a period of 10 years from April 8, 2022, Mr. Smith will not be allowed to attend Academy events or programs, in person or in person, including, for example, the Oscars. We want to express our deep gratitude to Mr. Rock for keeping his composure under exceptional circumstances. We also want to thank the hosts, the nominees, the presenters and the winners for their sensitivity and grace during our TV show. This action we are taking today in response to Will Smith’s conduct is a step towards a broader goal of protecting the safety of our artists and guests and restoring confidence in the Academy. We also hope that a period of healing and rehabilitation can begin for all involved and affected. This is breaking news. Check again for updates.
