The Academy Makes Ruling On Will Smith’s Oscars Slap

The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences ruled Friday (April 8) to ban Will Smith from any and all Academy events for 10 years, following his on-stage slap at the 94th Oscars awards last month.

“The [Board of Governors] 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 CEO David Rubin said in a statement.

The King Richard actor shocked the audience of the Dolby Theater and viewers around the world on March 27 when he walked on stage and slapped Chris Rock in the face. The incident was sparked by Rock’s joke while presenting the award for Best Documentary that mocked Jada Pinkett-Smith’s hair.

“Keep my wife’s name out of your f––king mouth,” Will yelled two times at a stunned Chris Rock following the joke and slap.

Smith has since apologized twice for the incident, condemning violence “in all its forms” as “poisonous.” The I Am Legend star also resigned from The Academy as a result.