The 94th Annual Academy Awards was exceptionally special this year. A plethora of excellent movies and actors were nominated like Andrew Garfield for “tick, tick…BOOM!,” Denzel Washington for “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” Benedict Cumberbatch for “The Power of the Dog,” and the winner for Best Actor, Will Smith, for “King Richard.”

However, the nominees and films weren’t the only thing that made this award’s ceremony special. Just moments before winning the Oscar, Will Smith publicly lashed out on comedian Chris Rock with what quickly became known as “the slap heard round the world.” Smith walked onto the stage and slapped Rock across the face.

Rock made a joke, as comedians do, about Jada Pinkett Smith’s hair, which she shaved off due to the hair loss disease alopecia.

“See you in G.I. Jane Two…,” Rock said.

Will’s initial reaction was laughing at the joke but after seeing his unimpressed wife, he confidently walked up to the stage, slapped Chris Rock, and then returned to his seat where he proceeded to yell profanities at Rock.

Later, while accepting his Oscar, Smith apologized for his behavior with tears streaming down his face.

Some fans argue that his actions were justified as he was protecting his wife, and others argue that it was a crime and an inappropriate overreaction, especially on a live platform.

Due to overwhelming feedback from people and social media, the Academy has decided on this punishment: “…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,” Smith has been banned from a plethora of events hosted by the Academy, but will still remain with his award from this year.