Actor Will Smith has been banned from the Oscars for a decade after slapping comedian Chris Rock, the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Science has ruled.
In a statement, reported by entertainment magazine Variety, the Academy said the most recent Oscars "were meant to be a celebration of the many individuals in our community who did incredible work this past year".
"However, those moments were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior we saw Mr. Smith exhibit on stage.
"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."
It confirmed the Academy's Board of Governors had met on Friday to discuss Smith's actions as well as accepting his resignation.
"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."
It also praised 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 behavior is a step toward 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."
Smith shocked the world when he marched onto the Oscars stage during the live broadcast last month, slapped Rock and then returned to his seat where he started hurling expletives at the comedian.
Rock had just joked about Smith's wife's bald head. Jada Pinkett Smith, an actress herself, suffers from alopecia, which can cause hair loss. Smith yelled at rock to "keep my wife's name out your f**king mouth."
Smith, who would go onto win the Best Actor award, didn't initially apologise to Rock in his acceptance speech, but later released a statement saying sorry to the comedian and acknowleding his actions were "out of line". He also resigned from the Academy.
There have been conflicting reports about whether Smith was asked to leave the Oscars event following the slap. While the Academy said the actor "was asked to leave the ceremony and refused", sources close to the situation told Variety there was no formal request and the producers were reluctant to force him out.
