Will Smith Reacts to Academy’s 10-Year Ban After Chris Rock Oscars Slap: I ‘Respect’ the Decision
usmagazine.comAccepting his punishment. Will Smith responded to the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences’ decision to ban him from all Oscars events for 10 years as punishment for slapping Chris Rock across the face.“I accept and respect the Academy’s decision,” the King Richard star, 53, said in a statement to Page Six on Friday, April 8.Earlier that day, the Academy announced that they had reached a decision after conducting a formal review into Smith’s actions during the 2022 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,” a letter sent by Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson on Friday reads. “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.”The statement concluded: “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.”This story is developing.
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