The Academy bans Will Smith from the Oscars for 10 years following Chris Rock slap

Will Smith was banned from all Academy events for the next 10 years by the Board of Governors. The Oscars are included in the ban.

The decision came nearly two weeks after the 94th Academy Awards ceremony, where Smith slapped Chris Rock onstage in retaliation for a joke Rock made about Jada Pinkett Smith. Will Smith won the best actor award for his performance in King Richard. He left the Academy on April 1.

This action we are taking today in response to Will Smith's behavior is a step towards a larger goal of protecting the safety of our performers and guests, and restoring trust in the Academy. We hope that this can begin a time of healing and restoration for all involved.

The Academy apologized for not addressing the slap during the live broadcast of the Oscars, saying that they did not adequately address the situation in the room. We are sorry for this. 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.

Smith accepted and respected the Academy's decision after the ban.