Will Smith barred from attending the Oscars for ten years, after slapping incident

Hollywood actor Will Smith has been barred from attending the Oscars and other Academy functions for the next 10 years, after the slapping incident involving him and comedian Chris Rock during the 94th Oscars ceremony on 28th March 2022.

The Academy in a statement said, “The 94th Oscars were meant to be a celebration of the many individuals in our community 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.”

Smith slapped comedian Chrish Rock, when the latter made a joke on Smith’s wife, actor Jada Pinkett Smith for her shaved head, which is the result of a hair loss disorder called Alopecia.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which organizes the Oscars, met virtually on Friday to discuss disciplinary action.

In a statement, it said banning Smith was aimed at protecting performers and guests and “restoring trust in the Academy”.