After the slap that was heard around the world, Will Smith has learned his fate. Nearly one week after Smith resigned from The Academy, they banned him from the Oscars for 10 years.
Will Smith Learns His Fate as The Academy Decides How to Discipline Him
“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,” Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson said in a statement on Friday. The decision to move the decision to today came after Smith resigned on his own accord.
“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,” the statement also stated.
RELATED: Will Smith Makes a Major Move As His Disciplinary Hearing Looms Over Him
“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.”
While Smith has resigned from being a member of the voting body, he can still be nominated for an Oscar.
As Mamas Uncut previously reported, on March 27, Smith shocked Hollywood and more when he slapped Chris Rock across the face over a joke. Rock had made a G.I. Jane joke in reference to Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head.
Jada has suffered from alopecia since 2018. Late last year, she made the decision to shave her head due to hair loss.
In a statement issued to CNN by his publicist, Smith began by saying, “I have directly responded to the Academy’s disciplinary hearing notice, and I will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct. My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable. The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all those in attendance, and global audiences at home.”
“I betrayed the trust of the Academy. I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken. I want to put the focus back on those who deserve attention for their achievements and allow the Academy to get back to the incredible work it does to support creativity and artistry in film.”
As Smith concluded his statement he wrote, “So, I am resigning from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate. Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason.”
As The Academy revealed earlier this week, following the slap, they reportedly asked Smith to leave the premises but he refused. Moments later, Smith was on stage accepting his Oscar for best actor.
According to a statement released by The Academy’s Board of Governors, the board is expected to meet again on April 18 to decide whether Smith’s Oscar will be revoked as well. “Things unfolded in a way we could not have anticipated,” the statement read.
“While we would like to clarify that Mr. Smith was asked to leave the ceremony and refused, we also recognize we could have handled the situation differently.”
Smith also took to Instagram earlier this week to apologize to Chris Rock directly, saying that “Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable.”
“I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.”
However, it is still believed that Smith and Rock have not discussed the incident privately. Rock is currently on tour in Boston where he briefly addressed the slap at the beginning of his set on Wednesday. He told the audience that he has not yet fully processed the incident and will speak about more at a later date.
Mamas Uncut is THE online place for moms. We cover the latest about motherhood, parenting, and entertainment as well – all with a mom-focused twist. So if you're looking for parenting advice from real parents, we have plenty of it, all for moms from moms, and also experts. Because, at the end of the day, our mission is focused solely on empowering moms and moms-to-be with the knowledge and answers they’re looking for in one safe space.