Will Smith has responded after the Academy announced yesterday that the actor would be barred from the Oscars for a period of 10 years.
Yesterday, members of the Academy met virtually to discuss the best action to take after Smith, 53, slapped Rock, 57, at the 94th Academy Awards last month.
It was ultimately decided that the Oscar-winning King Richard star would receive a decade-long ban from the prestigious awards show.
"Today, the Board of Governors convened a meeting to discuss how best to respond to Will Smith’s actions at the Oscars, in addition to accepting his resignation," the academy said in an open letter. "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."
The actor promptly responded to the ban, saying in a statement via The Washington Post: "I accept and respect the Academy’s decision."
Smith had already resigned from the Academy on April 1 - five days after the shocking altercation.
He shared in a statement at the time: "I have directly responded to the Academy’s disciplinary hearing notice, and I will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct. My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable.
"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."
He continued: "I deprived other 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.
"So, I am resigning from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate."
Smith apologized to Rock the day after the incident, explaining that a joke regarding his wife's short hairstyle was "too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally."
The actor's wife, Pinkett Smith, has alopecia - an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss.
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