US actor Will Smith accepts the award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for “King Richard” onstage during the 94th Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 27, 2022.
Robyn Beck | AFP | Getty Images
Will Smith has resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, days after he smacked comedian Chris Rock at the Oscars.
In a statement issued Friday, Smith said he would “accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate.”
Smith had previously apologized to the academy and to Rock. Minutes after he slapped Rock on Sunday night, Smith won the Oscar for Best Actor for his role in “King Richard.”
“Love will make you do crazy things,” he said in his acceptance speech, one of several apparent references to his attack on the comedian. Rock had made a joke about the close-cropped hair of Jada Pinkett Smith, Smith’s wife, who has alopecia, a skin condition that can result in hair loss.
On Wednesday, the organization behind the Oscars said its board of governors have initiated a disciplinary proceeding against Smith for violating the group’s standards of conduct. During the board’s next meeting on April 18, it said it would decide what action it will take, if any, including suspension or expulsion.
With Smith preemptively leaving the organization it is unclear what the academy will do next.
Smith, who has been one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars for decades, had made his name as a star of blockbusters such as “Independence Day” and the “Men in Black” franchise. But he mixed in serious dramatic roles in what seemed like a quest for Oscars glory. Now his long-sought-after Academy Award will forever be associated with the most stunning moment in the show’s history.
Read Smith’s complete statement:
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.
This is breaking news. Please check back for updates.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2022/04/01/will-smith-resigns-from-motion-picture-academy-over-chris-rock-oscars-slap.html