By Ivan Mwine
Celebrated American movie actor Will Smith has been banned from attending the Oscars for 10 years as punishment for slapping comedian Chris Rock on stage during the Grammy Award.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said Friday that Smith is also not allowed to attend any other events held by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences over the next 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,” wrote president David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson in a letter,” news agency AFP reported.
The Board’s decision did not revoke the best actor award Smith won last month for ‘King Richard’, nor did it mention any ban on future Oscar nominations, reported news agency AFP.
However, in reply to the ban, Smith said he accepted the decision of the Academy.
“I accept and respect the Academy’s decision,” Smith told Page Six during an interview.
The Academy took disciplinary action against Smith for slapping Chris Rock and uttering vulgar words at him for a joke he made at the expense of Will Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett.
After slapping him, Smith shouted at Rock that; “Keep my wife’s name out of your f*****g mouth!”
However, later, while receiving the Best Actor trophy, Will Smith apologised to the Academy and fellow nominees.
