Will Smith has been handed down his punishment for slapping Chris Rock during this year’s Oscars award show.
He has been banned from attending the show for ten years, a decision he accepts.
Smith, 53, responded Friday following the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ board of governors’ announcement that he is banned from Oscars ceremonies and other Academy events for the next ten years.
“I accept and respect the Academy’s decision,” Smith said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE.
The Academy determined that “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,” according to a letter from Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson.
“The 94th 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,” they wrote.
“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,” they added.
Rubin and Hudson also address Rock, 57, and Oscars host Amy Schumer, Wanda Sykes, and Regina Hall.
“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,” they continued.
“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,” they added. “We also hope this can begin a time of healing and restoration for all involved and impacted.”
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