Will Smith is banned from attending the Academy Awards for the next ten years as a result of slapping comedian Chris Rock on stage during this year’s ceremony.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences President David Rubin and CEO, Dawn Hudson, made a statement on Friday which said, “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 Board of Governors meeting, initially scheduled for April 18, was held on Friday in Los Angeles after Smith announced his resignation from the Academy last week. According to a board member, the decision was made after much deliberation about the consequences of an on-stage slap.

The Academy’s letter said, “The 94th Oscars were meant to be a celebration of the many individuals in our community who did incredible work this past year; however, those moments were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior we saw Mr. Smith exhibit on stage.”

“During our telecast, we did not adequately address the situation in the room,” the Academy also said in the letter. “For this, we are sorry. This was an opportunity for us to set an example for our guests, viewers and our Academy family around the world, and we fell short — unprepared for the unprecedented.”

In their letter, the Academy said it expressed “deep gratitude to Mr. Rock for maintaining his composure under extraordinary circumstances. We also want to thank our hosts, nominees, presenters and winners for their poise and grace during our telecast.”

“This action we are taking today in response to Will Smith’s behavior is a step toward a larger goal of protecting the safety of our performers and guests, and restoring trust in the Academy,” the letter said. “We also hope this can begin a time of healing and restoration for all involved and impacted.”

“I accept and respect the Academy’s decision,” Smith said in a statement to CNN, which came just minutes after the Academy’s ruling.

“My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable,” he said. “The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all those in attendance, and global audiences at home.”

Smith did not apologize to Rock while accepting his Oscar, however he did issue a statement nearly 24 hours later on Instagram, writing, “violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive.

My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable.”

“Jokes at my expense are a part of the job, but a joke about my Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally,” he also said.

“I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris,” he said. “I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.”

Rock decided not to press charges and has yet to formally address the matter.

The actor will keep the Oscar he won this year for his role in “King Richard.”