On Friday Will Smith has been banned from attending the Oscars. The ban period for American actors, rappers, and film producers is for the next 10 years.
Will is not allowed to attend any other events held by the Academy of Motion Picture and Sciences over the next decade. Will won the Oscar for best actor for his role in King Richard. President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson said in a letter, ‘The Board has decided, for 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.’
‘I accept and respect the Academy’s decision’, Will said in a brief statement to Hollywood trade publications. Governors from the Academy which organizes the Oscars convened on Friday morning to discuss actions against Will. The meeting of top brass was originally set to discuss expelling or suspending Will Smith. The Academy letter said, ‘The 94th Oscars were meant to be a celebration of the many individuals in our commitment who did incredible work this past year; however, those moments were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior we saw Mr. Smith exhibit on stage.’
Further, it added, ‘This action we are taking today in response to Will Smith’s behavior is a step toward a larger goal of protecting the safety of our performers and guests, and restoring trust in the Academy. We also hope this can begin a time of healing and restoration for all involved and impacted.’
