Africa-Press – Eswatini. The American film academy on Friday banned actor Will Smith from attending the Oscars ceremony or any event of that body for 10 years, following the “harmful behavior” he showed when he attacked comedian Chris Rock.
The ban comes a week after the actor presented his resignation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, after having slapped Chris Rock at the 94th Academy Awards ceremony.
In an open letter released today after the morning meeting of the Academy’s 54 governors, the group’s chairman, David Rubin, and the chief executive, Dawn Hudson, called Will Smith’s behavior “unacceptable”, admitting that they did not deal with the situation of properly during the event that took place on March 27.
“(…) We are sorry. This was an opportunity to set an example for our guests, spectators and our Academy family around the world, and we fell short – incapacitated for the unprecedented,” the letter reads.
The American actor Will Smith presented last Friday the resignation of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, responsible for the organization of the Oscars, after having assaulted the comedian Chris Rock on Sunday during the 94th ceremony of the event.
“I responded directly to the notice of an Academy disciplinary hearing and will fully accept any consequences for my conduct. My actions (…) were shocking, painful and inexcusable,” Will Smith said in a statement released by the US press.
“The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris [Rock], his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, everyone present and the global audience at home,” he said.
In the statement, Will Smith also said that he had betrayed the “trust of the Academy” and, therefore, presented the resignation.
“(…) I am resigning from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and will accept any other consequences the Board deems appropriate. Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure I never again allow violence to overtake reason”, he pointed out.
Will Smith also regretted having deprived “other nominees and winners of having had 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 accomplishments and allow the Academy to return to the incredible work it does to support creativity and art in film.”
The US Film Academy on Monday condemned actor Will Smith’s aggression against comedian Chris Rock at the Oscars ceremony on Sunday, and revealed that it would analyze the case and draw the consequences.
“We have officially begun a review of the incident and will consider possible actions and consequences in accordance with our regulations, standards of conduct and California law,” the academy said in a statement quoted by US media.
On Tuesday, Will Smith publicly apologized to Chris Rock, admitting he crossed the line and that his behavior was “unacceptable and inexcusable”.
“Violence, in all its forms, is poisonous and destructive. My behavior last [Sunday] night at the Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. (…) I crossed the line and made a mistake. I am ashamed and my actions are not matched the man I want to be,” the actor said in a written statement shared on Instagram.
Addressing Chris Rock directly, Will Smith apologized for the aggression, which took place on stage, live, at the Oscars ceremony, in which he ended up being distinguished as best actor, for his participation in the film “King Richard: Beyond about the game”.
The incident took place during the Oscars ceremony when comedian Chris Rock, who was going to present the Oscar for Best Documentary, began his intervention with a comedy number, during which he compared Smith’s wife, actress Jada Pinkett-Smith – who has no hair, suffering from an autoimmune disease – to Lt. O’Neil, “GI Jane”, from the Ridley Scott film.
Will Smith got up, took the stage, slapped Chris Rock and walked back to his seat, where he continued to yell, “Keep my wife’s name out of your fucking mouth.”
On stage, Chris Rock still tried to minimize the situation, but without disguising the discomfort, saying that it had been a moment for “the history of television”.
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