The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has banned American actor Will Smith from attending the Oscars for 10 years for slapping comedian Chris Rock on stage.
Smith will also not be allowed to attend any other events hosted by the academy during that period.
The decision was made after a meeting of the board of governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Friday. The academy said in a statement:
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 behaviour we saw Mr Smith exhibit on stage.
Smith walked on stage during the 94th Academy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles on March 27 and slapped Rock.
The comedian had made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, who has a shaved head, likening her to the movie character GI Jane.
In a statement on Friday after the ban was announced, Smith said he accepted and respected the Academy’s decision.
As a result, Smith will not be presenting one of the major awards at next year’s Oscars, as is the tradition for the best actor winner.