LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has banned Will Smith from attending the Oscars and other film academy events for 10 years for slapping Chris Rock onstage.
Smith marched on stage and smacked presenter Chris Rock during the Oscars after Rock made a joke about the appearance of Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
While presenting the award for best documentary, Rock said, “Jada, I love you, 'G.I. Jane 2,' can't wait to see it." Rock was referring to Pinkett Smith’s shaved head.
The actress did not appear pleased when the camera cut to her and she rolled her eyes.
The crowd at the Dolby Theatre hushed as Smith twice shouted at Rock to “keep my wife’s name out of your (expletive) mouth.”
Pinkett Smith revealed in 2018 that she was diagnosed with alopecia.
She has often discussed the challenges of hair loss on Instagram and other social media platforms.
Later in the show, Smith was awarded best actor for his role in “King Richard,” in which he played Richard Williams, the father of Venus and Serena Williams.
