Will Smith banned from Oscars for 10 years over attack on Chris Rock

Following his recent attack on Chris Rock, Academy Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has banned Will Smith from partaking in Oscars for the next ten years.

This is contained in a letter jointly signed by AMPAS president, David Rubin and CEO, Dawn Hudson.

It reads “The Board has decided, for a period of 10 years from April 8, 2022, Mr. Smith shall not be permitted to attend any Academy events or programs, in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards”

During the 2022 Oscars awards held in March, Will Smith slapped presenter Chris Rock on stage after he made a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett-Smith.

However taking to his Instagram page, Will Smith penned an apology to Chris over the incident.

He wrote “Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are a part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally.

“I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris, I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.

He added “I would also like to apologize to the Academy, the producers of the show, all the attendees and everyone watching around the world. And I would like to apologize to the Williams Family and my King Richard Family.

“I deeply regret that my behavior has stained what has been an otherwise gorgeous journey for all of us, I am a work in progress.”