What Happened: The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has decided to ban Will Smith from attending the Oscars for the next ten years for slapping Chris Rock.
Background: Chris Rock made an unscripted joke to Will Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith, at the Oscars on March 27th. Chris Rock’s joke was a ‘G.I. Jane’ reference. “Jada, I love you. ‘G.I. Jane’ 2, can’t wait to see it, all right?” ‘G.I. Jane’ stars actress Demi Moore, who shaved her head for the fictional character. The result of the joke was Will Smith getting on stage and smacking Chris Rock in the face.
Why It Is Important: The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences said it does not condone violence.
Who’s doing something about it: Will Smith has already resigned from the Academy and has admitted himself into a celebrity rehab where he seeks expert help to deal with his stress. "I resign my membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and will accept any other consequences that management deems appropriate," Will Smith said in a statement.
"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 Friday in a statement. Find out more details: To read more about Will Smith and the Oscars, you can read about it in click here or read the Associated Press coverage here. To read more about the Academy’s decision regarding Will Smith’s action, click here.