After the drama that ensued during the Oscars 2022 event on March 27 when Will Smith slapped Presenter Chris Rock over a joke made at his wife Jada Smith; the Academy have come to a decision on what disciplinary action Smith has to face. Will Smith had initially resigned from the Academy.
Will Smith Resigned From The Academy of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences
“I am resigning from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate,” Smith said to CNN in a statement. The actor’s resignation made the path the Academy had to take clearer as they fixed a meeting shortly after Smith resigned.
Will Smith Has Been Banned From Oscars For Ten Years After Drama With Chris Rock
Due to Smith’s resignation, suspending or expelling him from the academy was out of the options. In a meeting held on Friday, April 8, the Board of Governors of the academy concluded that the actor had to be banned from attending the Oscars or any other event of the academy for 10 years.
“The 94th Oscars were meant to be a celebration of 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 Academy said. The academy further apologized for not handling the situation promptly and also allowing Smith to stay and accept his award on the said day.
“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.”
The Academy said, Many reactions have followed the news of Will Smith getting banned, while many think that 10 years is too much punishment for such an offense, some others think it is not enough; like a twitter user made a comment saying “also ban him from getting nominated.”
As to what Will Smith or his family has to say about the punishment, no news has been heard. Although he had earlier said he would “accept and respect the Academy’s decision.”
