8th April, 2022
Hollywood actor, Will Smith has been banned from the Oscars for the next ten years after his “unacceptable behaviour” last month.
This is coming after Smith confronted Chris Rock onstage after he made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith, who has alopecia.
In a letter issued to the organisation members, the Academy Awards of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences announced the ban, calling Smith’s behaviour “unacceptable”.
Asides from the Oscars, the actor would not be allowed to attend any events or programs hosted by the group for 10 years.
“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
“This action we are taking today in response to Will Smith’s behaviour is a step toward a larger goal of protecting the safety of our performers, and guests and restoring trust in the Academy.
Initially, the Academy’s board was set to convene on April 18 to discuss possible disciplinary actions and to determine if the actor should be banned or suspended from the organization.
However, last week Smith resigned from the Academy calling his actions “shocking, painful, and inexcusable” in a public statement.