Will Smith Responds To Academy’s 10-year Ban After Oscars 2022 Slap
Will Smith has expressed his displeasure with the Academy’s decision to ban him from attending events for the next ten years.
“I accept and respect the Academy’s decision,” he said in a statement to Page Six on Friday.
Smith’s reaction came only minutes after the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced a 10-year ban from all Academy events for punching Chris Rock at the Oscars in 2022.
“For a period of ten years, commencing April 8, 2022, the Board of Governors has decided that Mr. Smith will not be able to attend any Academy events or programs in person or online, including but not limited to the Academy Awards,” the Academy said Friday.
“We want to express our profound gratitude to Mr. Rock for maintaining his composure in the face of adversity,” the statement said. We’d also want to thank our hosts, nominees, presenters, and winners for maintaining their composure and grace throughout the show.”
The actor, 53, will keep the Oscar he earned earlier this year for his performance in “King Richard.”
Last Monday, Smith announced his resignation from the Academy, which meant he could no longer vote but could still be nominated and attend the ceremony.
“My behaviors at the 94th Academy Awards ceremony were startling, hurtful, and inexcusable,” he said at the time. “Among those I have hurt are Chris, his family, many of my personal friends and loved ones, all those in attendance, and global viewers at home.”
On March 27, after making a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, the “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” star shocked the globe by smacking him across the face. Alopecia, a condition that causes hair loss, affects the 50-year-old actress from “Girls Trip.”
While Smith did not apologize to Rock during his acceptance speech, he later issued a statement on Instagram, stating, “Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive.” My conduct at last night’s Academy Awards was both insulting and unforgivable.”
“I can accept jokes about my Jada’s physical health,” he continued, “but a joke about her physical state was too much for me to handle, and I responded emotionally.”
“I’d like to apologize to you publicly, Chris.” I was out of line and incorrect at the same time. I’m humiliated, and my behavior does not reflect the man I want to be. In a world of love and peace, violence has no place.”
Rock not to press charges and has yet to issue an official statement on the subject.
Source: pagesix.com
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