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Academy Bans Will Smith From All Events For 10 Years For Slapping Chris Rock

94th Annual Academy Awards - Show

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 27: Will Smith accepts the Actor in a Leading Role award for ‘King Richard’ onstage during the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 27, 2022 in Hollywood, California.

Following the Academy's decision, Will Smith told Page Six in a statement, “I accept and respect the Academy’s decision."


The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has banned Will Smith from all Academy events for 10 years for slapping Chris Rock during this year’s show, according to Page Six.

“The Board of Governors 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,” they announced Friday per the outlet.

The statement continued, “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.”

Smith will get to keep his Best Actor Oscar for his role in King Richard.

Following the incident, Smith resigned from the Academy, "I have directly responded to the Academy’s disciplinary hearing notice, and I will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct. My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable," he said in a statement.

Previously, the King Richard actor apologized to Rock. As of late, the comedian has not talked about the incident publicly.

Autumn Hawkins is the National Hip-Hop and R&B writer for Beasley Media, currently residing in New Jersey. Prior to working at Beasley Media, she was in broadcast news as an entertainment producer. When she's not impatiently waiting for Beyoncé to drop new music, she is reading, shopping, or planning a vacation.