The slap that Will Smith gave Chris Rock during the Academy Awards earlier this month is resulting in a 10-year ban for the Oscar award-winning actor from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
The Academy’s Board of Governors came to the decision during a meeting on Friday. Smith previously announced his resignation from the Academy prior to the meeting.
“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,” said AMPAS president David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson.
In statement when he resigned, Smith said he would accept any disciplinary action from the Academy as a result of the slap. Several film projects he’s been working on have been put on hold.
“I accept and respect the Academy’s decision,” Smith said.
During the Academy Awards’ live telecast, Rock was announcing the award for Best Documentary when he made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head. Smith went on stage and slapped Rock then yelled obscenities when he returned to his seat.