US Actor Will Smith has been banned from the Oscars gala and other Academy events for 10 years after he slapped comic Chris Rock at the Oscars.
In a statement, the Academy said the 94th Oscars had been “overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior exhibited on stage by Mr. Smith”.
Smith has apologised for his actions and resigned from the Academy. The Actor hit Chriss Rock for joking about his wife’s shaved head, a result of the hair-loss condition alopecia.
Less than an hour later, he was awarded the Best Actor Award for his role in “King Richard”, where he played the father of Tennis Stars Venus and Serena Williams.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science, which organises the awards ceremony, met virtually on Friday, April 8, 22 to discuss disciplinary action.
In its statement, it said banning Smith was aimed at protecting performers and guests and “restoring trust in the Academy”. It also thanked Rock for “maintaining his composure under extraordinary circumstances”.
In his resignation statement, Mr. Smith said he had “betrayed the trust of the Academy” and was “heartbroken” over his actions.
