“For 10 years beginning April 8, 2022, the Board has decided that Mr. Smith will not be permitted to attend any academy event or event, including the Academy Awards, but in person, in person or at practice,” said Academy President David Rubin and CEO. Dan Hudson said in a statement on Friday.
Smith issued a quick and concise statement about his ban from the Oscars for the next decade.
“I accept and respect the academy’s decision,” the actor said in a statement to CNN.
CNN has reached out to Rock’s representatives for comment.
The decision was made after “tons of discussion” about what the consequences of slapping their platform should be, a member of the team told CNN.
The Academy letter added: “The 94th Academy Awards last year was a celebration of the many individuals who have done incredible work in our community; however, those moments were obscured by the unacceptable and damaging behavior that Mr. Smith displayed on stage.”
“During our broadcast, we didn’t talk enough about the state of the room,” the letter says. “For this, we are sorry. It was an opportunity for us to be an example to our guests, visitors and our academy family around the world, and we are ready for nothing like never before.”
Smith’s resignation is no longer part of the academy’s voting system, but an informed source previously told CNN that it wouldn’t prevent him from being nominated for an Oscar in the future.
Typically, the winner of the previous year’s Best Actor award will receive the current year’s Best Actress award (and the Best Actress award will be presented with the Best Actor trophy). With Smith’s ban, the Oscars have to break that tradition.
What happened, what came next
The actor attacked Rock while the comedian was onstage at the Academy Awards on March 27, after Rock made fun of Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, for her short hair.
Rock did not speak deeply in public about the incident.
In an interview with “GMA,” Packer said Los Angeles police were ready to arrest Smith for assault, but Rock said he didn’t want to.
The Academy wrote in its letter: “I deeply appreciate Mr. Rock for keeping the peace under extraordinary circumstances.”
“The action we are taking today in response to Will Smith’s behavior is one step toward a larger goal of protecting the safety of our artists and guests and restoring confidence in the academy,” the letter concluded. “We hope this begins a time of healing and recovery for everyone involved and affected.”
CNN’s Brian Stelter, Jason Gravrick and Cherie Mosberg contributed to the report.