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'How long is Harvey Weinstein banned for?': Social media reacts to Will Smith banned from Oscars, Academy events for 10 years

Elisabetta Bianchini
·3 min read

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science announced Friday that Will Smith has been banned from the Oscars, and any other Academy events, for 10 years.

"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," a letter to Academy members from President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson reads. "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.Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science President David Rubin, CEO Dawn Hudson

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A statement from Smith in response to the Academy's decision reads: "I accept and respect the Academy's decision."

The decision did not state that Smith would have his Oscar for Best Actor, for his role in King Richard, taken away from him. This came after weeks of extensive debate about Smith's actions and what the appropriate consequences should be, under the particular circumstances of the award show.

People took to social media to respond to consequences the actor is facing for slapping Rock at the Oscars, with many highlighting other celebrities, like Woody Allen, Roman Polanski and Mel Gibson, who they think should be banned from Academy events as well.