Will Smith banned from Oscars for 10 years post his slap debacle

The slap debacle at this year’s Academy Awards has landed Will Smith into trouble. The actor has been banned from the Oscars gala and other Academy events for 10 years after he slapped comedian Chris Rock at the ceremony.

In a statement, the Academy said the 94th Oscars had been "overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behaviour we saw Mr Smith exhibit on stage". The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which organises the awards ceremony, met virtually on Friday to discuss disciplinary action.

It further said that banning Smith was aimed at protecting performers and guests and "restoring trust in the Academy".

Smith has meanwhile apologised for his actions and resigned from the Academy.

The actor hit Rock for joking about his wife's shaved head, a result of the hair-loss condition alopecia.

Less than an hour later, he was awarded the best actor award for his role in King Richard, where he played the father of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams.

The Academy said that directly after the slap it did not "adequately address the situation in the room" and had been "unprepared for the unprecedented". It apologised for this. It also thanked Rock for "maintaining his composure under extraordinary circumstances".

In his resignation statement, Smith said he had "betrayed the trust of the Academy" and was "heartbroken" over his actions, further adding that he would "fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct".

Smith's resignation means he will be unable to vote for future Oscars.