Will Smith Band 10 Years

Will Smith has been banned from attending the Oscars for the next ten years after slapping Chris Rock during the ceremony last month. President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson of the Academy announced the news in a letter sent out on Friday

“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 behaviour we saw Mr Smith exhibit on stage,” the letter said.

“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 letter continued. “The Board has decided, for 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.”

“I accept and respect the Academy’s decision,” Smith stated in a statement to CBS News.

The Academy’s decision to ban Smith, according to Rubin and Hudson, is “a step toward a wider goal of preserving the safety of our performers and guests, as well as rebuilding trust in the Academy.”