The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Friday that it will ban Will Smith from attending the Oscars for the next decade.
In a statement, academy president David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson said Smith will be banned from “any Academy events or programs, in person or virtually” for a 10-year period starting April 8.
“The action we are taking today in response to Will Smith’s behaviour is a step toward a larger goal of protecting the safety of our performers and guests, and restoring trust in the Academy,” the statement reads. “We also hope this can begin a time of healing and restoration for all involved and impacted.”
The news comes less than two weeks after Smith slapped Chris Rock for making a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, while the comedian was presenting an award at the March 27 ceremony.
Rubin and Hudson also apologised for not addressing the incident during the telecast.
“This was an opportunity for us to set an example of our guests, viewers and our Academy family around the world, and we fell short — unprepared for the unprecedented,” they wrote.
The episode shocked viewers around the world, and has prompted days of reaction and discussion. Smith, who was awarded Best Actor just minutes after slapping Rock for his role in King Richard, has since apologised for his actions. He also resigned his membership in the Academy, and said he was prepared to “accept any further consequences” that the organization deemed appropriate.
“The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all those in attendance, and global audiences,” Smith said in an April 1 statement.