Actor Will Smith gets 10 years Oscar ban over Chris Rock slap

Los Angeles: Days after Will Smith's slapping incident at Oscars 2022, the Board of Governors for the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, on Friday, voted to ban the actor from all the Academy events for 10 years.

As per reports, Smith is also not permitted to attend any other events held by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences over the next decade.

However, the Board's decision as set out in a letter from Academy chiefs did not revoke the best actor award Smith won last month for "King Richard," nor did it mention any ban on future Oscar nominations.

"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," wrote president David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson.

Academy governors convened on Friday morning to discuss actions against Smith, with board members Steven Spielberg and Whoopi Goldberg among those invited to rule on the actor's fate.

The meeting of top brass from Hollywood's leading industry body was originally set to discuss suspending or expelling Smith, but he preemptively resigned from the group.

"The 94th Oscars were meant to be a celebration of the many individuals in our community who did incredible work this past year; however, those moments were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior we saw Mr. Smith exhibit on stage," said the Academy letter.

It added: "This action we are taking today in response to Will Smith's behavior 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."

Some had called for Smith to be stripped of his best actor Oscar, which he won for his performance in tennis biopic "King Richard" less than an hour after striking Rock on the same stage.

Last week, Smith apologized to Rock, describing his actions at the Oscars as "shocking, painful and inexcusable," before resigning from the Academy days later.

"I am resigning from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate," said Smith -- only the fifth Black man to win the movie world's highest individual award for an actor.