Actor Will Smith has been banned from attending any Academy events including the Oscars for the next 10 years. The decision has been taken for his slapping comedian Chris Rock on stage during this year’s Oscar ceremony.
The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences announced in a statement on Friday.
“The Board has decided, for 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.
The decision was made during a Board of Governors meeting held earlier in the day in Los Angeles.
Issuing a statement on his ban from the Oscars for the next decade, Smith said, “I accept and respect the Academy’s decision.”