A little less than 2 weeks after Will Smith slapped Chris Rock onstage at the 2022 Oscars, the Academy has actually chosen to prohibit the star from “any events or programs, in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards” for 10 years.
The relocation follows board members from the Academy held a conference on April 8 to identify what disciplinary action would be taken versus the star in the wake of the March 27 program. In a declaration gotten by E! News, Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson mentioned in part, “During our telecast, we did not adequately address the situation in the room. For this, we are sorry. This was an opportunity for us to set an example for our guests, viewers and our Academy family around the world, and we fell short—unprepared for the unprecedented.”
“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 declaration continued. “We also hope this can begin a time of healing and restoration for all involved and impacted.”
