Netizens divided over Will Smith’s Oscars ban, fans call decision ‘racist’

Will Smith has been banned from the Oscars and other Academy of Motion Pictures and Arts events for 10 years after the actor slapped comedian Chris Rock at the Oscars ceremony.

The decade-long ban has got everyone talking online.

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Smith had resigned from the Academy following the altercation, apologising for his outburst. He also said that he would accept any punishment for his actions.

While some were in favour of the punishment, others argued that the Academy took much longer to punish offenders in other instances. Many also highlighted the fact that Harvey Weinstein and Roman Polanski were awarded, even after many allegations against them were out.

Following Smith's ban, people shared conflicting views online. Some called the decision racist. Even though many criticised Rock's joke made at the expense of Smith's wife, they concluded that violence was not a solution to insensitive jokes.

The Academy's statement did not address whether Smith could be nominated for Oscars during his ban, nor did it take any action to revoke the actor's Oscar for "King Richard".