Academy bans Will Smith from attending Oscars for 10 years

The Motion Picture Academy banned Will Smith from attending the Oscars or any other Academy event for 10 years on Friday, following his slap of Chris Rock at the Academy Awards.

The move comes after a meeting of the Academy’s Board of Governors to discuss a response to Smith’s actions.

The Academy has called Smith’s actions as “unacceptable and harmful” in a statement.

Also read: ‘Heartbroken’ Will Smith resigns from motion picture academy

Smith pre-emptively resigned from the Academy last week, during the run-up to the meeting and said that he would accept any punishment the academy handed down.

“I accept and respect the Academy’s decision,” Smith had said in a statement.

The academy also apologised for its handling of the situation and allowing Smith to stay and accept his best actor award.

Also read: Oscars: Will Smith ‘punches’ his way to victory with Best Actor trophy

“During our telecast, we did not adequately address the situation in the room. For this, we are sorry,” the Academy said.

“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,” the Academy added in its statement.

(With inputs from Agencies)