Will Smith has been banned from attending the Academy Awards for the next decade after slapping Chris Rock during the ceremony last month.
On Friday, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences called Smith’s behavior “unacceptable” in a letter to organization members and said the recently minted Academy Award winner would not be allowed at any events or programs hosted by the group for 10 years.
“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,” the Academy wrote in a letter to members, obtained by NBC News.
Smith confronted Rock onstage after the comedian made a joke about the close-cropped hair of Jada Pinkett Smith, Smith’s wife. Pinkett Smith has alopecia, a skin condition that can result in hair loss. After striking Rock, Smith returned to his seat and screamed profanities at his fellow star.
The Academy’s board was initially set to convene on April 18 to discuss possible disciplinary actions, including a potential suspension or ban from the organization. However, last week Smith resigned from the Academy calling his own actions “shocking, painful, and inexcusable.”
