HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 27: Will Smith accepts the Actor in a Leading Role award for ‘King Richard’ onstage during the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 27, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)
After all the back and forth about what would happen to Will Smith after he slapped Chris Rock while on stage at this year’s Academy Awards, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences met Friday to discuss the consequences.
In the end, they have voted to ban Will from all Academy events, including the Oscars, for the next 10 years.
According to Variety, in their announcement, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences said:
“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. 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.”
They acknowledged that they accepted Will’s resignation from the Academy and added, “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.”
When it comes to Chris Rock, the Academy said, “We want to express our deep gratitude to Mr. Rock for maintaining his composure under extraordinary circumstances.”
Variety notes that although Will Smith has resigned, and is banned from attending any of the Academy’s telecasts over the next 10 years, that does not prohibit him from being nominated or winning any awards.
As many of you know, Will Smith walked on stage during the 94th Annual Academy Awards, and slapped Chris Rock during the live telecast in defense of his wife Jada Pinkett-Smith, after Chris made a joke about Jada’s shaved head. After the shocking moment, Will won his first Oscar for his role in the film “King Richard.”
Roommates, what are your thoughts?
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TSR STAFF: Jade Ashley @Jade_Ashley94
