The Academy of Oscars decided this Friday, April 8. After deliberation, it was decided that Will Smith will not be able to set foot in a ceremony for ten years, as revealed by AFP. This decision was taken following the huge buzz caused by the slap given by the actor to Chris Rock live in the evening of March 28th. The master of ceremonies had dared to joke about the alopecia of Jada Pinkett Smith, the wife of Will Smith, in front of the whole assembly, attracting the wrath of the comedian yet crowned best actor at the end of the evening. Will Smith then stood up and slapped Chris Rock before returning to his seat to forbid him to speak ill of his wife.
Aware that his behavior was far from exemplary, Will Smith spoke the next day on Instagram to apologize to Chris Rock: “Violence in all its forms is toxic and destructive. My behavior at the Oscars last night was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally. I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was wrong […] 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.”