Nollywood actor, Will Smith has been banned dorm attending the Oscars gala and other Academy events for 10 years after slapping comedian Chris Rock at the Oscars.
Kemi Filani news recalls on Monday March 28th, Will Smith elicited huge backlash when na altercation with Chris Rock for throwing a jibe at his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
At the Oscars, Chris Rock made a joke about Jada’s bald hairs, which Will didn’t find funny because his wife was suffering from Alopecia.
Smith took to the stage to slap him and warned him to keep his wife’s name out of his mouth, though he has since apologised to the academy while receiving award as the Best Actor, he didn’t apologize to Chris.
After weeks of discussion and meetings, the board have meted out a punishment on him for his actions.
The board of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which organises the Oscars, made the announcement today, April 8, after a meeting in Los Angeles to discuss possible sanctions.
“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”, Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson said in a statement on Friday.
The statement added, “The 94th Oscars were meant to be a celebration of the many individuals in our community who did incredible work this past year, however, those moments were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior we saw Mr. Smith exhibit on stage.
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 out guests, viewers and our Academy family around the world, and we fell short – unprepared for the unprecedented”.
This announcement has sparked huge reactions online as many took to comment sections to blast the board for exaggerating the issue
Kemi Filani news recalls Will Smith had tendered a public apology to Chris Rock for physically assaulting him.
Taking to his Instagram page, he apologised to Chris Rock, the Academy awards, producers and attendees at the award show as well as viewers across the world.
“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 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 apologise to 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. I would also like to apologise to the Academy, the producers of the show, all the attendees and everyone watching around the world. I would like to apologise 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”.