Despite his resignation from the academy of motion picture arts and sciences, and having been banned from the Oscars for 10 years – some believe that Will Smith’s punishment was not harsh enough.
Will Smith was banned from the Oscars after he assaulted Chris Rock on stage, in front of the whole world. Rock had made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith, Will’s wife not having hair. This prompted the Fresh Prince to march on stage and attack the comedian.
One AMPAS member called Smith’s 10-year ban a “toothless penalty” they also claimed that he should voluntarily surrender his award for best actor.
His penalty was compared to “extended time out for a playground bully” by Harry Lennix. He said that Smith being allowed to walk away with his Oscar was “galling”.
“Smith’s brutality stripped the entire evening of its prestige,” Lennix said. “That was proven when stunned Oscar attendees gave a standing ovation to someone who’d just committed an assault in front of their eyes.”
The Academy was allegedly split on whether or not the “King Richard” actor should be forced to return his award. Many apparently argued that other individuals like Harvey Weinstein and Roman Polanski who commuted more serious crimes were allowed to keep theirs.
Smith has Since apologized to Chris Rock, but the damage is done. He described himself as “heartbroken” and condemned his own actions.