'100% Racially Motivated:' Allegations Of Racism Following Will Smith's Oscar Ban

Following the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences’ decision to ban Will Smith following his infamous slap at Chris Rock, many have taken to Twitter, accusing the Oscars of racism.

“This is 100% racially motivated,” Twitter user Somari wrote. “Jim Carrey sexually assaulted a woman live on stage and she was visually distressed. Will Smith slaps a dude for mocking an illness and gets banned for a decade.”

Comedian Dean Obeidallah called the decision “White privilege on Parade…In contrast, Donald Trump waged a coup and incited the Jan 6 terrorist attack BUT has suffered NO Penalty at all.”

Reiterating Obeidallah’s sentiment, actor Angela Belcamino asked “can we punish those who plotted to overthrow the government next?” on Twitter.

Author Frederick Joseph said “the ten-year ban they gave Will Smith feels very 'make a lesson of this Black person'".

Twitter user Paul Dawkins referred to other members of Hollywood accused of sexual assault, saying “Academy banned Will Smith for 10 years, but not: Kevin Spacey, Harvey Weinstein, Casey Affleck, Woody Allen, Mel Gibson, Roman Polanski, James Franco, James Toback, Dustin Hoffman.”

In a statement to CNN regarding the Oscars' forthright verdict, Will Smith said "I accept and respect the Academy's decision."

President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson said in a statement that "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."

Renowned actor Denzel Washingtonpreviously publicly commented on Will Smith's actions at the award ceremony, saying "who are we to condemn? I don’t know all the ins and outs of the situation, but I know the only solution was prayer, the way I see it.”