As predicted, actor Will Smith’s action of slapping comic Chris Rock at the Oscar 2022 ceremony has been taken seriously by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science. The winner of this year’s Best Actor Award has been banned for 10 years from Oscar’s gala and other Academy events.

In its statement the Academy said that the 94th Oscars had been "overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behaviour we saw Mr Smith exhibit on stage".

Earlier Smith had apologised for his actions and resigned from the Academy. He had hit Rock when the latter had joked about his wife Jada Pinkett’s shaved head, a result of the hair-loss condition alopecia. Following this in less than an hour, Smith received the Oscar for his role in “King Richard” in which he has essayed the role of tennis stars, Venus and Serena Williams’ father.

The Academy met on Friday to virtually discuss the disciplinary action on Smith’s behaviour. In the statement, the Academy said banning Smith was aimed at protecting performers and guests and "restoring trust in the Academy". It also said when the incident took place, it did not "adequately address the situation in the room" and had been "unprepared for the unprecedented" while apologising for it.

At the same time, they also thanked Rock for "maintaining his composure under extraordinary circumstances".

Also read: Uncensored Video: Hollywood star Will Smith punches Oscar presenter