Will Smith Barred From Academy Awards Over Assault

Award-winning American actor, Will Smith has been banned from attending the Oscars gala and other Academy events for 10 years after slapping comedian Chris Rock.

Naija News had reported that Smith climbed the stage to dish out a resounding slap to Rock for making a joke about the actor’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith.

Chris Rock’s joke about Jada Smith referred to the 1997 film GI Jane, in which Demi Moore played the title role with a severe buzzcut.

Referencing to her shaved hairdo – which is a result of the hair loss condition alopecia.

Following the assault on Rock, some movie lovers across the world took to social media to condemn Smith for attacking his colleague, while others supported his actions.

However, in a statement on his Instagram page, Smith apologised to Rock for smacking him, saying he was embarrassed by his actions.

After weeks of delibrations about the incident, the board have meted out a punishment on him for his actions.

The board of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which organises the Oscars, made the announcement today, April 8, after a meeting in Los Angeles to discuss possible sanctions.

“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”, Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson said in a statement on Friday.

The statement added, “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”.