LOS ANGELES (Tribune News Service) — Nearly two weeks after Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars over a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Friday it is forbidding Smith from attending any academy events, including the Oscars, for 10 years. “I will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct,” Smith said in a statement announcing his resignation, calling his actions “shocking, painful, and inexcusable.”By resigning, Smith preempted what many expected to be his potential suspension or expulsion from the academy. In the wake of the Oscars, the academy faced fierce criticism over its handling of the incident, with many questioning why Smith was not removed from the Dolby Theatre after striking Rock and yelling profanities from his seat. In a statement last week, the organization said Smith “was asked to leave the ceremony but refused,” even as it expressed some misgivings over its own decisions that night. We love our show and we have to be protective of the academy.

Source: Los Angeles Times April 08, 2022 20:10 UTC