The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially announced that Will Smith has been banned from the Academy Awards telecast for the next ten years. According to CNN, the decision was made as a result of his slapping comedian Chris Rock onstage after Rock made a joke about Smith's wife, actress Jada Pinkett Smith, during this year's Oscar ceremony.
"The Board has decided, for a period of 10 years from April 8, 2022, Mr. Smith shall not be permitted to attend any Academy events or programs, in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards," Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson said in a statement on Friday.
The decision was made following Smith announcing his resignation from the Academy last week. During a Board of Governors meeting held earlier in Los Angeles, initially scheduled for April 18, it was determined that the Oscar-winning actor would be banned.