I Accept and respect the Academy’s decision – Will Smith

American actor, Will Smith, had reacted to the decision of the Academy (Oscars) to ban him from its events for ten years.

He said in a brief statement, “I accept and respect the Academy’s decision”

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences had on last week Friday announced that it was banning him from all of the organization’s events for 10 years for slapping Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars.

However, before now the 53-year-old actor had rolled out an apology vis social media handle to Chris and other authorities concerned “Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are a part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally.

I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness. 

I would also like to apologize to the Academy, the producers of the show, all the attendees and everyone watching around the world. I would like to apologize to the Williams Family and my King Richard Family. I deeply regret that my behavior has stained what has been an otherwise gorgeous journey for all of us.

I am a work in progress.

Sincerely,

Will”

The video that captured the crux of the unfolding actions © Instagram | cbsnews

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences official action comes nearly two weeks after Will Smith hit Chris Rock on stage at the Oscars, a decision it describes as a repercussion under its guidelines.

Credit: Future / Getty

From the virtual meeting held by the Academy’s Board of Governors to discuss the situation, and according to a letter sent by Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson, SEB learnt that it was ultimately determined that “for a period of 10 years from April 8, 2022, Mr. Smith shall not be permitted to attend any Academy events or programmes, in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards.

“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”, the letter submitted, stating further in appreciation of Rock and hosts Amy Schumer, Wanda Sykes and Regina Hall, Rubin and Hudson “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 behaviour is a step towards 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.”

SEB learnt that the meeting was originally set for April 18 but was pushed up to April 8 since Smith formally resigned from the Academy on April 1. With expulsion off the table, Academy president David Rubin made moves to expedite the process for any possible sanctions, writing in a memo, “It is in the best interest of all involved for this to be handled in a timely fashion.”

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith at the Oscars 2022. Credit: WireImage

Recall, and In-case you’re wondering why Will smith slapped Chris Rock at Oscars 2022, Good To Know report that “Actor Will Smith took to the stage and slapped Chris Rock because of a joke he made about Will’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith. It appears that the Men in Black star was not impressed with the comedian’s remark that Jada’s shaved haircut was reminiscent of famous film character G.I Jane. Jada has been openly suffering with the hair loss condition Alopecia since 2018.”