Sean Penn says Will Smith Oscars slap ‘karma’ for not inviting Zelensky to speak

Sean Penn says Will Smith Oscars slap ‘karma’ for not inviting Zelensky to speak (Doug Peters/PA)

Sean Penn described the Will Smith Oscars slap as “karma” for the Academy who chose not to allow the Ukrainian president to address the 2022 ceremony following Russia’s invasion.

Hollywood star Penn, who has won two Oscar awards for best actor, said it was “discouraging” and a “low moment” for the leadership of the Academy when it did not invite former actor Volodymyr Zelensky to present a message to the audience.