Following news of Will Smith’s ban from attending the Oscars for 10 years, stars have reacted via social media, with comedian Ricky Gervais taking a cheeky jab at the disgraced actor.
Posting to Twitter amid the news, Gervais quipped: “Hopefully, he’ll only do 6 years with good behaviour,” he wrote.
Gervais had previously spoken out about the incident, calling Chris Rock’s joke about Jada Pinkett Smith “tame”.
“You don’t hit someone over a joke, however bad it is – and it wasn’t bad!” he wrote on Twitter. “That was like the tamest joke I would’ve ever told.”
“Nothing would happen to me because I wouldn’t have told a joke about his wife’s hair. I’d have told a joke about her boyfriend,” he added, in reference to Jada’s infamous “entanglement” with musician August Alsina.
After the news of Will’s ban was made public, the King Richard star released a short statement that read: “I accept and respect the Academy’s decision.”
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Board of Governors decided that Will Smith will not be able to attend the Oscars for 10 years following his slapping of Chris Rock at the 94th Academy Awards.
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“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,” said AMPAS president David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson in regards to Smith’s “unacceptable and harmful behaviour” after a heated 9 AM PT starting virtual meeting concluded.
“We also hope this can begin a time of healing and restoration for all involved and impacted,” they added at the end of the letter.
Will Smith’s apology to all parties involved addressed many of the party’s concerns but didn’t seem to be enough for the Academy’s board:
“My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable. The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all those in attendance, and global audiences at home.
I betrayed the trust of the Academy. I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken. I want to put the focus back on those who deserve attention for their achievements and allow the Academy to get back to the incredible work it does to support creativity and artistry in film.”
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