Jada Pinkett Smith Makes First Appearance Out Since Oscars Slap Incident
Jada Pinkett Smith has made her first appearance since the Oscars incident where her husband Will Smith slapped Chris Rock.
According to People, Pinkett Smith was in Los Angeles on Saturday (April 9) to support her friends Debbie Allen and Shonda Rhimes on the grand opening of the Rhimes Performing Arts Center, which will serve as the home for the new Debbie Allen Dance Academy. There is a new studio space inside the performing arts center named after the Smiths, according to Broadway World.
Prior to Jada’s appearance on Saturday, the Academy announced that the King Richard actor would be banned from the organization’s events (in person and virtual) for 10 years.
“The Board of Governors 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,” they announced Friday (April 8) per Page Six.
The statement continued, “We want to express our 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.”
Following the Academy’s decision, Will Smith said in a statement, “I accept and respect the Academy’s decision.”
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