The Tony Awards are not going to tolerate any violence like at the 94th annual Academy Awards.
During the Oscars award ceremony, presenter Chris Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett-Smith’s hair loss by referring to her as “G.I. Jane.” Her husband, Will Smith, then walked on stage and slapped Rock before resuming his seat and shouting, “Keep my wife’s name out of your f—ing mouth.”
Although many felt that Smith should have been thrown out of the ceremony, he retook the stage shortly afterward to receive his first-ever Best Actor Oscar for “King Richard.” The Tony Awards want to make it clear that nothing like that will happen at their award ceremony.
Tony Awards Have A ‘Strict No Violence’ Policy
In a letter sent to potential ticket buyers, the Tony Awards included a new warning in its FAQ section. The warning states that “The Tony Awards has a strict no violence policy. In the event of an incident, the perpetrator will be removed from the event immediately.”
In addition to their no violence policy, the event is also black-tie only. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is also required for attendance.
The Tony Awards will be presented on Sunday, June 12, at Radio City Music Hall. The ceremony will be airing live on CBS and Paramount+.
After the infamous Oscars slap, Will Smith resigned from the Academy. Shortly thereafter, the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences then banned him from attending all in-person or virtual Academy events for ten years.
Several Academy members spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about their thoughts concerning Will Smith’s punishment.
Academy Members Differ In Response To Will Smith’s 10-Year Oscar Ban
Carol Connors, of the music branch, seemed satisfied with Smith’s punishment.
“He’s not going to be able to present next year, and I think hurray for that,” she said. “I don’t think he should be allowed on the Academy stage. What he did on the world stage was unacceptable. Ten years is an important round number. I don’t think it should have been one year or five years. Ten is appropriate.”
“But I’m glad he will not present next year, after what he did,” Connors continued. “What if Chris would have fallen down and hit his head? The one guy is what, 140 pounds soaking wet, and the other guy played Muhammad Ali. Can you imagine what must have gone through Chris’ mind at that moment? And I think he handled it with great dignity.”
However, Stephen Potter of the sound branch, thought that the ten-year ban was too long.
“I have to say I’m surprised at the Academy’s formal response of a 10-year ban on Mr. Smith, which is harsher than I imagined it would be. Ten years is quite a long time and it’s possible this incident will mostly be forgotten before this term concludes,” he said. “I think the Academy could have responded more quickly, but by waiting it suggests they carefully weighed their options.”
He also applauded the way Chris Rock handled the incident, saying, “Mr. Rock maintained composure under very unexpected circumstances, and I applaud him for averting what could have been a total disaster. I believe Mr. Smith’s reaction was fueled by Ms. Pinkett Smith’s glaring look, and it’s unfortunate he chose to react as he did. The opinions are split between those who do and don’t support Mr. Smith’s actions, but the fact remains this incident was very unfortunate on many levels.”
