Will Smith BANNED from Oscars for 10 years over Chris Rock slap
While Will Smith will not be allowed to attend the Oscars, he gets to keep his award – which he won on that very night for ‘King Richard’
Actor Will Smith won’t be seen on the Oscars’ red carpet or ceremony for at least a decade, as he has been banned from attending Hollywood’s biggest night. The punishment was imposed on Smith after he slapped comedian Chris Rock on the Oscar stage not so long ago.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which oversees the Oscars, made the announcement on Friday, 8 April 2022, after meeting to discuss disciplinary action against Smith for the assault.
“The Board has decided, for a period of 10 years from 8 April 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,” said president David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson in a statement.
We all know what happened at the Oscars by now – Smith didn’t take too kindly to Rock making a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s bald bead, which the comic compared to the female action figure G.I Jane. He walked up to Rock, who was presenting an award on the Oscar stage, then smacked him, to everyone’s shock. Pinkett Smith shaved her head after she was diagnosed with Alopecia, a condition which leads to hair loss.
WILL SMITH GETS TO KEEP HIS OSCAR
While Will Smith will not be allowed to attend the Oscars, he gets to keep his award – which he won on that very night for his performance in the film King Richard.
The Academy further explained the reason for the action it is taking against the star, saying it is a step towards the larger goal of protecting the safety of Oscar performers and guests, and restoring trust in the Academy itself.
“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 Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’
Smith has apologised to Rock for the slap and also resigned from the Academy.
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