Will Smith Reacts to Academy 10-Year Ban Over Chris Rock Slap in Oscars 2022

Will Smith has acknowledged the consequences vested by the Academy after he slapped Chris Rock during the Oscars 2022 last month.

In a statement on Friday, Smith said that he "accepts and respects the Academy's decision," Deadline reported.

Smith's short and succinct statement came after the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' Board of Governors (AMPAS) decided that the actor will be banned for 10 years, in attending the Oscars.

"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," AMPAS President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson said in a letter, per Us Weekly.

The ban will not allow Smith, whether in-person or virtually, to attend any events hosted by the Academy.

The AMPAS officials also explained that they came up with their decision because Will Smith's slap on Chris Rock overshadowed the true purpose of the Oscars, which is to celebrate the people who did great in their community.

Ruben and Hudson then apologized to the public for not addressing the situation during the event ahead of time.

"During our telecast, we did not adequately address the situation in the room. For this, we are sorry," the AMPAS officials said, contending that they fell short and they are not prepared for the unprecedented.

Will Smith Academy: What Will Happen to the Actor After He Was Banned From Attending Oscars?

According to Deadline, Smith's ban on attending the Oscars will not affect his liberty to be nominated in the Oscars categories in the future.

However, he will not be able to present the next Best Actor award to the next winner, even though that is the tradition of the award-giving body.

The Academy also explained why they cannot seize Smith's Oscars following the incident.

"There have been calls from industry insiders and moviegoers for Smith's Oscar to be taken back, which the Oscars have no legal authority to claim," the Academy explained, mentioning that convicted criminals Harvey Weinstein and director Roman Polanski still have their Oscars following their expulsion, according to Variety.

The Academy also pointed out they have no other options but to ban Smith from attending future Oscars because the actor's membership with the organization is no longer active after he resigned.

Will Smith-Chris Rock: Comedian Lauded by the Organizers of Oscars 2022

The Academy also lauded Chris Rock in their statement, contending that the comedian maintained his composure after the unprecedented events in the awards show. Furthermore, the organization also thanked the hosts, winners, presenters, and nominees for their poise and grace during the telecast.

It can be recalled that Will Smith slapped Chris Rock after the comedian made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved head, due to her alopecia. After returning to his seat, Smith then shouted "keep my wife's name out of your f*****g mouth."

A day after the Oscars 2022, Will Smith took to Instagram to apologize to Chris Rock, claiming that he was out of line and wrong. The actor also admitted that he was embarrassed by what he did during the awards ceremony.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written By: Joshua Summers

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