This comes after Will Smith struck Chris Rock in the face on stage after the actor and comedian had joked that he could not wait to see Smith's wife Jada in the next GI Jane film, referring to her baldness. Jada Pinkette-Smith was diagnosed with alopecia in 2018.
After he returned to his seat, Smith could be heard shouting at Rock "Get my wife's name, out of your f*****g mouth!".
Will Smith apologised to Rock a few days later.
Since then, the Board of Governors for the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences have now voted to ban Will Smith from all Academy events for 10 years.
“The 94th Oscars were meant to be a celebration of the many individuals in our community who did incredible work this past year; however, those moments were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior we saw Mr. Smith exhibit on stage. The Academy reflected upon Smith's conduct in a fresh statement", they wrote in a fresh statement.
“During our telecast, we did not adequately address the situation in the room. For this, we are sorry. 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".
“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 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".
“We want to express our deep gratitude to Mr. Rock for maintaining his composure under extraordinary circumstances. We also want to thank our hosts, nominees, presenters and winners for their poise and grace during our telecast".
“This action we are taking today in response to Will Smith’s behavior is a step toward a larger goal of protecting the safety of our performers and guests, and restoring trust in the Academy. We also hope this can begin a time of healing and restoration for all involved and impacted".
That night also saw Will Smith win an Oscar for Best Actor for his starring role in King Richard. Despite many people calling for his award to be revoked, the Oscars have no legal right to do so.
