Ever since Will Smith has sent Hollywood reeling with his slap on Chris Rock, the dramatic incident has finally concluded albeit on a despondent note as the Academy announced that Smith will be banned for 10 years due to his actions.
What Happened
If you happen to live under a rock or are just uninterested in Hollywood drama, watch the video to find out what went down between Will Smith and Chris Rock during the 94th Academy Awards (aka the Oscars):
The Internet has since created a vast array of memes to poke fun of the moment, especially with the shocked reactions from fellow actors and actresses (such as actress Lupita Nyong’o) who were captured on television.
Aftermath of The Slap
Shortly after the slap, Smith went on to win the Oscar for Best Actor for his role in the 2021 film King Richard, an American biographical sports movie about the father of world tennis athletes Serena and Venus Williams.
During his award speech, Smith apologises to the Academy and “to all (his) fellow nominees” for his actions.
“But love will make you do crazy things,” continued Smith as he concluded with the hope that the Academy will invite him back.
Chris Rock has also decided not to press charges against Smith and said that “he’s still kind of processing what happened” in the aftermath during his sold-out standup show in Boston.
Smith later also extended his apologies to Rock through a press statement the next day.
Academy Ban Confirmed
On Saturday (April 9), the Academy of Motion Arts and Sciences have decided to ban Will Smith from attending the Academy Awards for the next 10 years.
The Academy decided that Smith’s actions were “unacceptable and harmful” to the Awards that overshadowed the “incredible work” created from the past year.
Prior to this, Smith had already resigned from the group which meant that he will lose his voting privileges in the invitation-only organisation. The resignation also prevents the motion picture academy from expelling or suspending him for his actions.
If you are thinking it’s not a big deal that Smith was banned because Zoom exists, well you’re wrong—the ban also prevents Smith from attending any Academy events or programs virtually.
Internet Split on Who’s To Blame
Some Internet users believe that Smith’s actions were unwarranted as violence isn’t always the answer.
The violence act towards Rock also spawned a separate array of discussion among comedians on the potential dangers they might face in the future.
However, some also felt that Chris Rock deserved the slap as his joke was a form of ableism which was inappropriate given that Jada Smith has made it known on how vulnerable she felt about her health condition.
One thing we can agree on however is that this has been the most exciting rendition of the Academy Awards yet.
By the way…Star Awards 2022 is around the corner #justsaying
Featured Image: YouTube