Will Smith & Chris Rock’s Oscar Slap May Have Caused Tony Awards to Issue ‘No Violence Policy’

Will Smith, Chris Rock

Will Smith & Chris Rock’s Oscar Slap May Have Caused Tony Awards to Issue ‘No Violence Policy’

The Tony Awards is not taking any chances this year.

Production for the 75th annual awards show revealed on Thursday, April 19 how they plan to handle any “perpetrator” of a violent incident during the upcoming ceremony. A part in the FAQ section of a letter issued to potential ticket purchasers read,

“The Tony Awards has a strict no violence policy. In the event of an incident, the perpetrator will be removed from the event immediately.”

While there was no specific mention to the Oscars in the notice, it’s being assumed that the move is being done because of Will Smith‘s decision to walk on stage and slap Chris Rock at the awards show on Sunday, March 27. Will Smith has since been dealing with the fallout, with various streaming services halting production of his films. He has also been banned from attending any Academy Awards ceremonies for the next 10 years.

Chris Rock, Will Smith, Jada Pinkett-Smith

Since 1978, the Tony Awards have honored excellence in live Broadway theater and been televised on CBS. According to its official description,

“The Antoinette Perry “Tony” Awards, which was founded by the American Theatre Wing in 1947, are bestowed annually on theatre professionals for distinguished achievement on Broadway. The Tony is one of the most coveted awards in the entertainment industry and the annual telecast – the night America watches Broadway – is considered one of the most prestigious programs on television.”

Nominations for the 2022 awards will be announced on Tuesday, May 3. The ceremony will air on CBS and Paramount+ on Sunday, June 12.

Do you think other award shows will follow in the footsteps of the Tonys? Let us know in the comments!

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