Smith accepts 10-year ban
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced yesterday that Will Smith is banned from attending all academy events, most notably including the Academy Awards, for the next 10 years as penalty for slapping Chris Rock on stage at last month’s Oscars ceremony.
Academy president David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson wrote in an open letter addressed to ‘‘our academy family’’ that the celebratory intentions of the March 27 ceremony ‘‘were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behaviour we saw Mr Smith exhibit on stage.’’ They also apologised, stating that they ‘‘did not adequately address the situation in the room,’’ and thanked Rock for maintaining his composure on stage.
‘‘This action we are taking today in response to Will Smith’s behaviour is a step toward a larger goal of protecting the safety of our performers and guests, and restoring trust in the academy,’’ the letter continued. ‘‘We also hope this can begin a time of healing and restoration for all involved and impacted.’’
Smith said, in a statement: ‘‘I accept and respect the academy’s decision.’’
The academy’s board of governors met a week after Smith resigned from the organisation,
referring to his actions at the ceremony as ‘‘shocking, painful and inexcusable’’. Echoing a statement he posted to Instagram the day after the Oscars, Smith again apologised to Rock, the academy and his fellow nominees and winners. He said he would ‘‘fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct’’.
Smith’s resignation means he also can no longer take part in Oscars voting, but it doesn’t affect
his win for King Richard or negate his future award eligibility.
The board of governors, originally scheduled to meet on April 18 for ‘‘disciplinary proceedings’’, moved their meeting to yesterday soon after Smith formally gave up his membership.
The board consists of 54 members – three from each of the academy’s 17 branches, which range from actors to film editors to marketing and public relations, in addition to three governors-atlarge.
At the 94th Academy Awards, before he presented best documentary, Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith appearing ready to star in ‘‘G.I. Jane 2’’, a reference to her shaved head. The actress has spoken publicly in recent years about struggling with hair loss from alopecia, an autoimmune disease.
Rock’s jab was unscripted, according to ceremony produer Will Packer. Pinkett Smith looked unamused by the joke and, within moments, her husband made his way to the stage and slapped Rock across the face before returning to his seat.
ABC cut the live broadcast’s audio for more than 20 seconds, including while Smith yelled twice for Rock to ‘‘keep my wife’s name out your f...ing mouth’’. The show continued, albeit with a visibly shocked audience.
Less than an hour later, Smith won his first Oscar – best actor for playing Richard Williams, father to tennis champions Venus and Serena, in the film King Richard. Tears streamed down his face as he accepted the award, stating that ‘‘love will make you do crazy things’’.
He apologised in his speech to the academy and his fellow nominees.
Rock declined to press charges. –