Under Canadian law, Will Smith could be banned from entering the country
The actor hit the host at the Academy Awards.
At the award ceremony, host Chris Rock made a joke about Will Smith's wife's bald head, comparing her to the heroine of the movie "Soldier Jane. Will Smith was very hurt by the host's words. The actor got up on stage and punched Chris Rock in the face live on air.
As it turns out, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Will Smith's wife, began suffering from baldness in 2018, but only recently decided to stop hiding it and shaved her head. Although the actor later apologized to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and said he felt it was very important to protect his family, many condemned his act. The next day, he did apologize in person to Chris Rock, publishing an Instagram post.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts is deciding whether Will Smith should be stripped of his Oscar for his behavior. Now there is an active discussion around the world as to whether the actor is right and whether such a defense of the beloved woman is permissible, as well as whether the academicians have the right to revoke the award. If they decide to withdraw it, it would set a precedent.
The Canadian public has also joined the discussion. The country is very picky about who to issue visas to, and any violation of Canadian law, even one committed outside Canada, is grounds for refusal. Although Chris Rock has not gone to the police and has not yet filed any charges, Will Smith's aggression has been seen by the world. However, it is unknown if Will Smith is ever going to apply for a Canadian visa.
