Nearly two weeks after the event heard 'round the world, the Academy has handed out their punishment for Will Smith's slap. After much speculation, public apologies, and every single person in Hollywood giving their two cents, it's been announced that Will has been banned from the Academy for 10 years, as reported by TMZ.
The Academy Bans Will Smith For 10 Years Following Chris Rock Slap
Getty | ROBYN BECK
On the Monday following the Oscars, Will Smith addressed the situation in an emotional Instagram post.
"Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable."
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"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," he explained.
The Academy Award-winning actor went on to apologize directly to Chris.
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"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."
"I would also like to apologize to the Academy, the producers of the show, all the attendees and everyone watching around the world," he continued.
"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."
The actor and father concluded, "I am a work in progress."
As for what Chris has said, the comedian has kept a low profile since the altercation, only addressing it at his comedy show the following Wednesday.
Giphy | Saturday Night Live
"How was your weekend?" Chris jokingly greeted the crowd, as reported by the BBC.
The 57-year old then explained to fans that he had written the "show before all this nonsense happened," but promised to properly address the incident soon.
"I'm still kind of processing what happened, so at some point I'll talk about that," he said.
It was reported by TMZ Friday afternoon that Academy Award winner Will Smith will be banned from the award show for 10 years.
"The Board [of Governors] 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," the academy president and CEO said.
He continued:
"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."
The statement then went on to praise Chris Rock for how he handled the situation.
Giphy | 52nd NAACP Image Awards
"We want to express our deep gratitude to Mr. Rock for maintaining his composure under extraordinary circumstances."
The news of Will's decade-long ban has received mixed reviews on social media.
It's hard not to notice the hypocrisy when there are so many men with severe sexual assault allegations attached to them who the Academy has allowed to participate in their show year after year.
