The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Board of Governors decided on Friday that actor Will Smith will not be able to attend the Oscars or any related events for 10 years after he slapped Chris Rock during the ceremony on March 27.
“I accept and respect the Academy’s decision,” Smith said.
Smith, who won the Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal in “King Richard,” resigned from the Academy on April 1. Smith slapped Rock after the comedian made a joke about Will’s wife, Jada.
Rock stated that he was looking forward to Jada Smith staring in a “GI Jane” sequel. Jada suffers from alopecia and sported a shaved head that night. After the initial joke, Will stormed the stage and slapped Rock across the face on live TV. The actor then left the stage and yelled “keep my wife’s name out your (expletive) mouth” at Rock.
Rock responded by saying that it was a “GI Jane joke” and Smith repeated the same line.
“During our telecast, we did not adequately address the situation in the room. For this, we are sorry,” the academy said to AP. “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.”
