Will Smith receives 10-Year Oscars Ban

Will Smith has received a 10-year Oscars ban after slapping Chris Rock on stage at the 2022 ceremony.

The board of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which organises the Oscars, announced the decision after meeting to discuss possible sanctions following the actor’s outburst at the event.

During the ceremony on March 27, Chris Rock was on stage to present an award when he made a joke about Will Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.

Chris’ joke was aimed at Jada’s shaved head, which is a result of the hairloss condition alopecia. It is still unclear whether the comedian was aware that she has alopecia.

He had referenced the 1997 film GI Jane, in which Demi Moore shaved her head.

Will Smith then walked on stage and slapped the comedian before walking off and twice shouting:

“Keep my wife’s name out of your f****** mouth.”

The incident shocked the audience and viewers around the world.

The ceremony continued and Will went on to win Best Actor for playing the father of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams in King Richard.

Will later apologised to Chris Rock and resigned from the Academy, saying:

“My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable.”

The resignation means he gives up his voting rights but can still be nominated for awards. Prior to the disciplinary hearing, Will said he would accept any consequences.

The board has now ruled that for 10 years, Will Smith “shall not be permitted to attend any Academy events or programs, in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards”.

In a statement, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences president David Rubin and chief executive Dawn Hudson 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 behaviour we saw Mr Smith exhibit on stage.

“This action we are taking today in response to Will Smith’s behaviour is a step toward a larger goal of protecting the safety of our performers and guests, and restoring trust in the Academy.”

Will responded to the ban, saying:

“I accept and respect the Academy’s decision.”

The board had been set to meet on April 18, 2022.

But the hearing was brought forward to deal with the incident “in a timely fashion” following the actor’s resignation.