Renowned American actor and film producer Will Smith has resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences after slapping Chris Rock during last Sunday’s Oscars telecast.
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Will Smith was earlier in the news after he deliberately slapped Chris Rock on stage during last Sunday’s ceremony over a joke about his wife’s shaved head, a result of the hair-loss condition alopecia.
Less than an hour later at the program, Will Smith was awarded the best actor award for his role in “King Richard”, where he played the father of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams.
On Friday afternoon, Will Smith announced in a statement that he was resigning from the Academy following his actions. In his statement, he explained:
“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,” Smith said on Friday.”
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“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”
The Academy has earlier announced, on Wednesday that it had “initiated disciplinary proceedings” against Smith following the embarrassing episode at Sunday night’s Oscars. David Rubin who serves as the President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said in a statement Friday that the organization has accepted Smith’s “immediate resignation.”
However, David Rubin added, “We will continue to move forward with our disciplinary proceedings against Mr Smith for violations of the Academy’s Standards of Conduct, in advance of our next scheduled board meeting on April 18.”
Following his resignation, Will Smith will no longer enjoy the benefits that members are afforded, including access to screeners for films in consideration and the ability to vote for potential nominees.
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