Will Smith Pjb/Sipa/Shutterstock
Accepting his punishment. Will Smith responded to the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences’ decision to ban him from all Oscars events for 10 years as punishment for slapping Chris Rockacross the face.
“I accept and respect the Academy’s decision,” the King RichardStar, 53, stated in a statement Page SixFriday, April 8.
Earlier that day, the Academy announced that they had reached a decision after conducting a formal review into Smith’s actions during the 2022 Oscars. “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 behavior we saw Mr. Smith exhibit on stage,” a letter sent by Academy President David RubinCEO Dawn HudsonFriday reads. “During our telecast, we did not adequately address the situation in the room. We are sorry for this. 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 statement concluded: “Today, the Board of Governors convened a meeting to discuss how best to respond to Will Smith’s actions at the Oscars, in addition to accepting his resignation. The Board has decided, for a period of 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.”
The board meeting took place via Zoom on Friday. This was almost two weeks after the initial meeting. Bel-Air: The Fresh Prince alum‘s altercation with Rock, 57.
Smith slapped Smith at the Oscars ceremony for making a joke about Smith Jada Pinkett Smith‘s shaved head. (TheRed Table Talk(House host, 50 has alopecia. “Will Smith just smacked the s—t out of me,” the Longest YardAfter the incident, star exclaimed Bad BoysStar stormed onto the stage. When Smith returned to his seat, he yelled at Rock to Keep my wife’s name out your f—king mouth.”
Smith apologized to Rock via Instagram for his actions during the tearful acceptance speech.
“Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable,” Smith wrote, adding, “I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of control and I was wrong. I am ashamed of my actions and they are not indicative of the man that I want to become. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.”
One week after the Oscars, Smith resigned from the Academy, which Rubin said in a statement on April 1 meant that some potential punishments, like suspension of his membership or expulsion, were “no longer a possibility.”
The “Just the Two of Us” performer said in a statement at the time that he “deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken. I want to put the focus back on those who deserve attention for their achievements and allow the Academy to get back to the incredible work it does to support creativity and artistry in film.”
Smith continued: “So, I am resigning from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate.”
