The Board of Governors for the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences have taken the decision to ban Will Smith from all Academy events for the next 10 years, following his on stage row with Chris Rock at last month’s Oscars ceremony.
During the ceremony, Will Smith confronted Chris Rock after the latter had made a joke which referred to Smith’s wife Jada Pinkette-Smith’s baldness.
Comedian Chris Rock had said that he would love to see Jada in the next GI Jane film. Jada Pinkette-Smith was diagnosed with alopecia in 2018.
Smith walked onto stage, before hitting Rock in the face. He could also be heard shouting as he returned to his seat, “Get my wife’s name out of your f*****g mouth”.
Smith later apologised to Rock, who refused to press charges according to the LAPD.
“did not adequately address the situation in the room”
Since then, the Academy have released this statement, where they said that they have taken the vote to issue Smith with a 10 year ban from all events, including the Oscars.
“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”, they said.
“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 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.
Acadamy Praise Rock’s ‘composure’
“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”, the statement continued.
“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”.
Despite banning him, the Academy cannot legally revoke Smith’s Oscar succes. Smith won the award for Best Actor on the same night as his altercation with Rock.
