Oscars: Will Smith banned from all Academy events for 10 years over Chris Rock slap - statement in full

Will Smith has been banned from all Academy events, including future Oscars ceremonies, for 10 years for slapping Chris Rock at the event last month.

The actor resigned from the Academy on 1 April, saying that he had betrayed the Academy’s trust and that he would accept any future punishment for his actions.

If the Academy awards continue to be hosted in February or March, then Smith will not be allowed to attend another Oscars ceremony until the 105th awards in 2033.

What did the Academy say about the decision to ban Will Smith?

Academy president David Rubin said in a statement released online: “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,”

“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.”

“This action we are taking today in response to Will Smith’s behaviour is a step toward a larger goal of protecting the safety of our performers and guests, and restoring trust in the Academy,”

“We also hope this can begin a time of healing and restoration for all involved and impacted.”

How has Will Smith reacted to his ban?

The Bad Boys actor said in a statement that he would “accept and respect the Academy’s decision”.

Has Chris Rock responded?

The stand-up comedian has not been very vocal about the incident since it occurred.

At a show in Boston on 30 March, he said: “I’m still kind of processing what happened. So, at some point I’ll talk about that sh*t. And it will be serious and funny.”

Rock has not commented on Smith’s resignation from the Academy or his 10-year ban from Academy events.

Why did Will Smith slap Chris Rock?

Rock made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith’s, and her hair loss which is a result of the medical condition alopecia.

Rock said: “G.I. Jane 2, can’t wait to see it”, in reference to Demi Moore’s shaved head in the movie G.I. Jane.

Smith at first laughed at the joke as Jada rolled her eyes, but then he walked onto the stage and slapped Rock in the face.

When he returned to his seat, Smith told Rock to: “keep my wife’s name out your f*cking mouth.”

Smith was not removed from the ceremony and within minutes of the slap he was back on stage to accept the award for Best Actor for his role in King Richard.

Los Angeles police had been prepared to arrest Smith for battery over the slap, but Rock declined to press charges.

Has Will Smith’s Oscar been revoked?

No, the actor was allowed to keep his Oscar, the only Academy Award he has ever won after being nominated previously for Best Actor for his roles in Ali and The Pursuit of Happyness.

Convicted criminals such as Harvey Weinstein and Roman Polanski were allowed to keep their Oscars so it was unlikely that Smith would lose his.

Only one Oscar has ever been revoked - Young Americans won the Best Documentary award in 1969 before it was realised that the film had been released in 1967 and was therefore ineligible.