Academy banned Will Smith from the Oscars

Post created on 8:41 am

Following the incident of US actor Will Smith slapping comic Chris Rock at the Oscars, Smith has been banned from the Oscars gala and other Academy events for 10 years.

In a statement made by the Academy, the 94th Oscars had been overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior we saw Mr. Smith exhibit on stage.

Though Smith has apologized for his actions and resigned from the Academy.

The actor hit Rock for joking about his wife’s shaved head, a result of the hair-loss condition alopecia.

Furthermore stating, the Academy said banning Smith was aimed at protecting performers and guests and “restoring trust in the Academy”, and at the time of the slap it did not address the situation in the room” and had been “unprepared for the unprecedented.”

It also thanked Rock for “maintaining his composure under extraordinary circumstances”.

In Smith, he said he had “betrayed the trust of the Academy” and was “heartbroken” over his actions and would fully accept any consequences for my conduct”.

His resignation means he will be unable to vote for future Oscars voters.