Will Smith will keep his Academy Award despite 10 years Ban

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Will Smith will be allowed to keep his Oscar by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences, after slapping Chris Rock at Academy Awards ceremony on March 27. On Friday, the Academy imposed a ban of ten years on Will Smith after the incident. Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson wrote an open letter stating Will’s suspension. The letter reads: "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.

The letter also denounced Smith's actions as "unacceptable and harmful behavior." Previously the organization informed that the Academy’s decision to suspend Will was a result of "disciplinary proceedings" brought against Smith "for violations of the Academy's Standards of Conduct, including inappropriate physical contact, abusive or threatening behavior, and compromising the integrity of the Academy." Mr. Smith reacted to the ban with a statement. In his statement to CNN said: "I accept and respect the Academy's decision."