The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has banned Will Smith from the Oscars.
Smith had lapped Chris Rock on stage after the comedian joked about Jada Pinkett, his wife, at the 94th Oscars.
Rock had, in his joke, mocked Pinkett’s shaved head which the latter said was due to alopecia, a hair loss condition.
Smith’s response received mixed reactions from Hollywood stakeholders, some of whom condemned the assault.
Many critics also called for his sanction while the actor knew he faced a possible expulsion over the issue.
Smith would instead resign from the Academy after describing his own conduct as “inexcusable”.
The Academy’s board of governors, it is understood, met virtually on Friday to further discuss the matter.
In a letter announcing its verdict to the full membership at the end of the meeting, David Rubin, AMPAS president, and Dawn Hudson, its CEO, described Smith’s conduct as “unacceptable and harmful”.
“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,” AMPAS said.
The current roster of the AMPAS board includes Steven Spielberg, Ava DuVernay, Laura Dern, and Whoopi Goldberg.
Earlier in a statement of apology, Smith had admitted that he went out of line by smacking Rock’s face on live TV.
“My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable,” the actor added.
“The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all those in attendance, and global audiences at home. I betrayed the trust of the Academy.
“I deprived nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work.
“I am heartbroken. I want to put the focus back on those who deserve attention for their achievements and allow the Academy to get back to the incredible work it does to support creativity and artistry in film.”
Netflix also paused the production of ‘Fast And Loose,’ a forthcoming film by Will Smith, amid the controversy.
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