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The Academy Bans Will Smith For 10 Years For Chris Rock Slap
Will Smith slaps Chris Rock onstage during the 94th Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
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Robyn Beck
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AFP via Getty Images
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The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will ban actor Will Smith from all its events, virtually or in person, for 10 years.
This was Smith's punishment for infamously walking onstage at the Oscars to slap comedian Chris Rock after he joked about Smith's wife's hair. The move followed a meeting Friday of the Academy's board of governors.
"We want to express our deep gratitude to Mr. Rock for maintaining his composure under extraordinary circumstances. We also want to thank our hosts, nominees, presenters and winners for their poise and grace during our telecast," read a statement by the Academy. "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. We also hope this can begin a time of healing and restoration for all involved and impacted."
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Will Smith resigned from the Academy last week. In his statement, Smith said his actions at the Oscars were inexcusable.
"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 wrote. "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. I want 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."
Smith also wrote that he was committed to changing himself "to never again allow violence to overtake reason."
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