A friendly reminder. Tony Awards warned attendees that they will not tolerate violence for weeks. Will Smith made headlines for slapping Chris RockAt the Oscars
“The Tony Awards has a strict no violence policy,” Tony Award Productions wrote in the “FAQ” section of an email sent to potential ticket buyers, according to a report from DeadlineWednesday, April 20 “In the event of an incident, the perpetrator will be removed from the event immediately.”
This reminder came almost one month after Smith (53), walked on the stage at the 94th Academy Awards. He slapped Rock (57), across the face after the comedian made joke about Rock. Jada pinkett Smith‘s hair. The Philadelphia native apologized to Academy members and fellow nominees later that night while accepting the best actor trophy. King Richard. A day later, he issued another apology that included the mention of the Saturday Night Live alum.
“I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong,” he wrote via Instagram on March 28. “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.”
One week later, the slap was still a topic of conversation at Grammys. The Grammys were delayed in January due to the coronavirus epidemic. Host Trevor Noah opened the April 3 show with a reference to the incident, saying: “We’re gonna be listening to some music. We’re gonna be dancing, we’re gonna be singing. We’re gonna be keeping people’s names out of our mouths, and we’re gonna be giving out awards.”
Shortly after the Grammys, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that it had come to a decision regarding Smith’s punishment for the incident. The Men in BlackStar is expelled from all Academy events and programs for the next 10 year. “I accept and respect the Academy’s decision,” the “Miami” rapper, who had already resigned from the Academy of his own volition, said in a statement at the time.
The Tony Awards aren’t set to air until June. The nominations for the awards show are announced on Tuesday, May 3rd. Productions that are eligible include Six, DianaThe revival of The Music ManStaring Hugh JackmanAnd Sutton Foster.
The 75th Annual Tony Awards will air Sunday, June 19, at 8 pm on CBS and Paramount+ ET.
