Will Smith Banned From Attending the Oscars For the Next 10 Years Over Chris Rock Assault

Actor Will Smith learned his fate today from Hollywood’s film academy as its board of governors banned him from attending any of its events, including the Oscars, for 10 years.

The ban comes after the best actor winner assaulted presenter Chris Rock on stage at the Academy Awards ceremony prior to when he received the award.

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President David Rubin and Chief Executive Dawn Hudson explained the decision in a statement.

“The 94th Oscars were meant to be a celebration of the many individuals in our community who did incredible work this past year,” the statement explained.

The statement added, “However, those moments were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior we saw Mr. Smith exhibit on stage.”

Smith said in a statement of his own, “I accept and respect the Academy’s decision.”

On April 1, Smith had resigned from the academy and he has issued statements apologizing to Rock, the Oscars producers, nominees, and viewers.

Rock’s brother, Kenny Rock, recently told the LA Times that he would like to see the Academy take back the Oscar that Smith won that night. 

“It eats at me watching it over and over again because you’ve seen a loved one being attacked and there’s nothing you can do about it,” Kenny Rock said.

Kenny Rock explained, “Every time I’m watching the videos, it’s like a rendition that just keeps going over and over in my head.

“My brother was no threat to him and you just had no respect for him at that moment. You just belittled him in front of millions of people that watch the show,” the brother lamented.