According to TheWashingtonPost:
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Friday that Will Smith is banned from attending all academy events, most notably including the Academy Awards, for the next 10 years as penalty for slapping Chris Rock onstage at last month’s Oscars.
Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson wrote in an open letter addressed to “our academy family” that the celebratory intentions of the March 27 ceremony “were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior we saw Mr. Smith exhibit on stage.” They also apologized, stating that they “did not adequately address the situation in the room,” and thanked Rock for maintaining his composure onstage.
“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 letter continued. “We also hope this can begin a time of healing and restoration for all involved and impacted.”
Smith said in a statement Friday, “I accept and respect the Academy’s decision.”
The academy’s board of governors met a week after Smith resigned from the organization. He called his own actions “shocking, painful, and inexcusable,” adding that he “betrayed the trust of the Academy” and “deprived other[s] … of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work.” Echoing a statement he posted to Instagram the day after the Oscars, Smith again apologized to Rock, the academy and his fellow nominees and winners, and said he would “fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct.”
Though he can also no longer take part in Oscars voting, Smith’s win for “King Richard” and his award eligibility are unaffected moving forward; he can still be nominated and win a trophy.
The board that voted on Smith’s fate consists of 54 members: three from each of the academy’s 17 branches, which range from actors to film editors to marketing and public relations, in addition to three governors-at-large.
