Will Smith: Star accepts Academy decision

Will Smith (53) will not be allowed to attend Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences events for the next ten years after he slapped Chris Rock (57). “I accept and respect the Academy’s decision,” the Oscar winner said in a statement after the announcement.

Since yesterday, April 8, Smith has not been allowed to attend the Oscars for the next ten years, in addition to other events – neither in person nor in virtual form. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences didn’t actually have many options before the decision was announced. Smith had forestalled the Academy board and had already announced his resignation. So Smith gets to keep his Oscar. In addition, he apparently remains entitled to be nominated for further awards in the future.

What happened?

Smith received his first Oscar at this year’s Academy Awards for his performance in “King Richard.” He was honored as the best leading actor and was able to assert himself against Javier Bardem (53), Benedict Cumberbatch (45), Andrew Garfield (38) and Denzel Washington (67), who were also nominated.

However, his victory was overshadowed by the award winner’s attack on Chris Rock. After the comedian cracked a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith, 50, the actor’s wife, during the show, Smith took the stage and slapped Rock in the face. The comedian joked that Jada Pinkett Smith may be preparing for a role in the ‘The Jane Files’ sequel. This was an obvious nod to the actress having shaved her head. The 1997 film starred Demi Moore (59) with her hair shaved off. Pinkett Smith has long suffered from alopecia, a disease-related hair loss.