Will Smith blocked from Academy events for 10 years, Board of Governors decides after slap
Will Smith will not be allowed to attend any Academy events, including the Oscars, for 10 years following the actor's conduct at this year's annual awards show, the Board of Governors for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences ruled Friday.
"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," the organization said in a statement Friday following a hearing to discuss Smith slapping comedian Chris Rock at the Oscars.
The news comes a week after Smith resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences after he slapped Rock for making a joke about the appearance of Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
"I accept and respect the academy’s decision," Smith said in a statement to USA TODAY Friday provided by his representative Meredith O'Sullivan.
"During our telecast, we did not adequately address the situation in the room. For this, we are sorry," the Board of Governors said in its statement. "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."
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The organization shared its "deep gratitude" toward Rock "for maintaining his composure under extraordinary circumstances," as well as the award show's 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," the statement concluded. "We also hope this can begin a time of healing and restoration for all involved and impacted."
Consequences come after Will Smith resigned from the Academy
The actor, 53, who won the best actor Oscar for his work in "King Richard," announced in a statement sent by his reps to USA TODAY five days after the slap that he will be withdrawing from the Academy due to his “shocking, painful and inexcusable" actions.
'I am heartbroken': Will Smith resigns from the Academy over Chris Rock slap at Oscars
“The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all those in attendance, and global audiences at home,” Smith continued. “I betrayed the trust of the Academy. I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken.”
Smith also said that he has responded to the Academy's disciplinary hearing notice and "will fully accept any and all consequences." He also noted that he would like to "put the focus back on those who deserve attention for their achievements and allow the Academy to get back to the incredible work it does to support creativity and artistry in film."
"Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason," he added.
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In a separate statement provided to USA TODAY last week, Academy president David Rubin confirmed that the organization has received and accepted Smith's immediate resignation.
The Academy previously condemned Smith's actions as a "deeply shocking, traumatic event to witness in person and on television" and apologized to Rock.
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The organization considers "physical contact that is uninvited and, in the situation, inappropriate and unwelcome" as "unacceptable conduct," according to the Academy's Standard of Conduct.
"If any member is found by the Academy to have violated these standards or to have compromised the integrity of the Academy by their actions … the Academy may take any disciplinary action permitted by the Academy’s Bylaws, up to and including suspension of membership or expulsion from membership," the document reads.
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Contributing: Anika Reed, Charles Trepany
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will Smith blocked from Academy events for 10 years after Oscars slap
