Will Smith Banned From Attending Any Academy Events for 10 Years After Chris Rock Slap

After slapping Comedian Chris Rock for insulting his wife Jada Pinkett Smith during the Academy Awards last week, Will Smith has been banned from all Academy events for a decade.

"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" said Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson in a joint letter released Friday.

Smith preemptively resigned from AMPAS on April 1.

Rubin and Hudson also apologized to the academy for not properly handling the incident when it took place.

"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."

They also thanked Chris Rock for his composure after the slap.

"We want to express our deep gratitude to Mr. Rock for maintaining his composure under extraordinary circumstances. We also want to thank our hosts, nominees, presenters and winners for their poise and grace during our telecast."

Smith apologized to Rock and the Academy when he resigned but that has not enabled him to skirt consequences for his actions. Several of his projects have been paused by studios according to TMZ.

Smith issued brief a statement responding to the letter from Rubin and Hudson,

"I accept and respect the Academy’s decision."

Chris Rock has yet to publicly respond to the events, other than a brief aside during a comedy set in Boston last week.

At the Academy Awards, Rock made a joke comparing Jada Pinkett Smith to G.I. Jane. Pinkett Smith has alopecia which causes hair loss. The joke prompted Will Smith to take the stage and strike Rock.

The full letter from Rubin and Hudson to the Academy can be seen below.

"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.

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.

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.

We want to express our deep gratitude to Mr. Rock for maintaining his composure under extraordinary circumstances. We also want to thank our hosts, nominees, presenters and winners for their poise and grace during our telecast. This action we are taking today in response to Will Smith’s behavior is a step toward a larger goal of protecting the safety of our performers and guests, and restoring trust in the Academy. We also hope this can begin a time of healing and restoration for all involved and impacted.

Thank you"

Assuming the Academy sticks to its ban for the full ten years, Smith will next be able to attend the Oscars in 2033. The 2032 Oscars will have already taken place by the time the ban is lifted, pending any changes to when the Oscars are normally scheduled.