Will Smith responds to 10-year Academy Awards ban

Forgive the obvious pun, but: Will Smith has been slammed with a harsh punishment after his stunning act on stage at the 2022 Academy Awards.

For those who somehow missed it, the superstar approached Chris Rock two weeks ago after the comedian made a joke about Smith's wife, Jada, and punched him in the face.

Smith, who later won his first-ever Best Actor trophy, then screamed for Rock to keep Jada's name out of his "f-chin-mouth".

In response, The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences said on Friday that Smith will not be allowed to participate in the Oscars for the next decade.

“The Board has resolved that, for a period of 10 years from April 8, 2022, Mr. Smith will not be permitted to attend any Academy events or programs, in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards, Read the statement from Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson.

Some critics believe Smith should also be forced to return his award, which he won for portraying the father of Venus and Serena Williams in King Richard.

Commenting on the ban, Smith said in a simple statement: "I accept and respect the Academy's decision."

The news of the ban came a week after the 53-year-old resigned from the Academy, forfeiting his right to vote at future Oscars. It also came in the wake of Smith offering a lengthy apology.

"My actions during the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful and unforgivable," Smith said on April 1.

“The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all in attendance and a global audience at home. "I have violated the trust of the Academy."

The former rapper added: “I have denied other nominees and winners the opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work.

"My heart is broken. “I want to bring attention back to those who deserve attention for their achievements and allow the Academy to get back to the incredible work it is doing to support creativity and artistry in film.”

Finally, Smith announced his departure from the Academy as follows:

“So I am canceling my membership of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and will accept any further ramifications that the board of directors deems appropriate.

“Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason.”

A day after the ceremony, and the Rock Clap, Smith said: Violence in all its forms is toxic and destructive.

"Jokes at my expense are part of the job, but a joke about Jada's medical condition was too much for me and I reacted emotionally.

"I want to publicly apologize, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong. I'm ashamed 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."

Chris Rock says he isn't ready to speak about Will Smith yet: 'I'm not talking about that until I get paid'. Chris Rock is staying mum on Will Smith and the incident at the Academy Awards for now.

“I’m OK, I have a whole show and I’m not talking about that until I get paid,” Rock, 57, told show attendees, the Desert Sun newspaper reported. “Life is good. I got my hearing back.”

"He literally only addressed it as the crowd was going wild for his surprise appearance," an audience member told Page Six. "He got on stage and said, 'Lower your expectations. I'm not going to address that s***.'"