Will Smith, who won the Best Actor award at the Oscars 2022, has been banned from attending Oscars and other Academy events for 10 years for slapping Chris Rock at the ceremony.
In a statement issued by the Academy awards, it stated the 94th Oscars was "overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behaviour" by Smith. It further stated that banning Will Smith, fo slapping Chris Rocks at Oscars 2022, was aimed to protect performers and guests.
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The decision has been taken by the organisers of the Oscars-the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences on Friday. The Academy's Board of Governors held a meeting to discuss the punishment for Will Smith's action during the award ceremony night.
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At the Oscars 2022 on March 27, Smith walked up to the stage and smacked Chris Rock on his face. The incident took place after Rock made a joke at Will's wife Jada Pinkett Smith's expense.
Later, Will Smith won the Oscar for Best Actor that night. On the other hand, Will Smith apologised both to the Academy and to Chris Rock. He had said that "his actions did not reflect the man he wants to be".
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Also, he tendered his resignation from the Academy voluntarily. Meanwhile, Chris Rock refused to press charges against Will as he was informed by the Los Angeles Police Department that the option was still available.
The statement by the Academy concluded by stating, "We also hope this can begin a time of healing and restoration for all involved and impacted."
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