Will Smith has resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, days after he smacked comedian Chris Rock at the Oscars, for a joke Chris made about Jada Pinkett Smith’s hair.
There is a report that Will was asked to leave the 94th annual Academy Awards ceremony Sunday after slapping Comedian Chris, but he refused.
Few minutes after Will smacked Chris on the stage, he won the Oscar for Best Actor for the role in “King Richard.”
He later apologized to the academy and then to Chris and states that violence is poison.
In a resignation statement issued on Friday, Smith said he would “accept any further consequences” the academy’s board of governors deems appropriate, as his actions were shocking, painful, and inexcusable. He said.
Read Will’s statement in full:
“I have directly responded to the Academy’s disciplinary hearing notice, and I will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct. My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable.”
“The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all those in attendance, and global audiences at home. I betrayed the trust of the Academy. I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken. I want to put the focus back on those who deserve attention for their achievements and allow the Academy to get back to the incredible work it does to support creativity and artistry in film.”
“So, I am resigning from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate.”
“Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason.”
Presently, disciplinary proceedings have been initiated by the board of governors of the organisation behind Oscars against Will Smith for the violation of the standard of conduct.
Decision on disciplinary action from the Academy if any, is to be handed down to Will in few weeks.
