Will Smith slap: Jada Pinkett Smith makes first public appearance since Oscars

Will Smith slap: Jada Pinkett Smith makes first public appearance since Oscars

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Jada Pinkett Smith is back on the red carpet.

The 50-year-old actress had her first public appearance on Saturday night since The Academy banned Will Smith from the Oscars for slapping Chris Rock.

Pinkett Smith was joined by Shonda Rhimes and Debbie Allen at the grand opening of the Rhimes Performing Arts Center, which will also be the home for Debbie Allen’s Dance Academy.

Jada Pinkett Smith made her first public appearance since the 2022 Oscars on Saturday night.
(Getty Images)

Pinkett Smith was all smiles on the red carpet and was seen a strapless, gold dress, with matching earrings and heels.

VIDEO OF WILL SMITH’S FRUSTRATION WITH WIFE JADA PINKETT SMITH RESURFACES AFTER OSCARS SLAP SCANDAL

Smith acknowledged the motion picture academy’s decision to ban him from the Oscars for 10 years on Friday.

“I accept and respect the academy’s decision,” the actor said in a statement obtained by Fox News Digital.

On Friday, the academy announced that Smith was banned from attending the Oscars or any other academy event for 10 years following his slap of presenter Chris Rock at this year’s ceremony. The decision came after a meeting of the academy’s board of governors to discuss a response to Smith’s actions.

Will Smith was banned from the Oscars on Friday.
(AP)

“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. We also hope this can begin a time of healing and restoration for all involved and impacted.”

Academy President David Rubin called for Friday’s board meeting just days ago. The meeting was originally scheduled for April 18 but was moved up due to Smith’s resignation April 1.

WILL SMITH NOT PERMITTED TO ATTEND OSCARS FOR 10 YEARS

“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,” the board of governors said in a letter.

“During our telecast, we did not adequately address the situation in the room. 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.

Will Smith hit presenter Chris Rock on stage while presenting the award for best documentary feature at the Oscars.
(AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

“Today, the board of governors convened a meeting to discuss how best to respond to Will Smith’s actions at the Oscars, in addition to accepting his resignation. 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.

“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.”

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“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. We also hope this can begin a time of healing and restoration for all involved and impacted.”

Smith slapped Chris Rock on stage at the 2022 Oscars after he made a joke at his wife’s expense.
(Getty Images)

Smith slapped Rock after Rock cracked a joke about Pinkett Smith’s bald head, referring to 1997 film “G.I. Jane,” starring Demi Moore. Pinkett Smith, 50, has struggled with alopecia.

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“Jada, ‘GI Jane 2,’ I can’t wait to see it,” Rock, 57, said while onstage at the Oscars with the actress in attendance.

Pinkett Smith has yet to publicly address the incident.

Fox News’ Stephanie Nolasco contributed to this report.