Under disciplinary proceedings after slapping comedian Chris Rock in the middle of the Oscars ceremony, Will Smith took the lead and announced Friday his resignation from the organization that awards the prestigious trophies. “My actions during the 94th Academy Awards ceremony were shocking, painful and inexcusable,” Will Smith wrote in a statement.
“The list of those I hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, everyone who was in the audience or at home” in front of the telecast last Sunday, the 53-year-old actor continued. “I am resigning my position as a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and will accept whatever consequences the board of directors deems appropriate,” he assures.
In his statement, Will Smith, who pledges to do everything in his power to “never again let violence override reason,” also says he will accept any additional consequences the Academy deems appropriate.
The Academy, in fact, reacted quickly through its president David Rubin. “We have received and accepted this immediate resignation,” he says. “We continue to work on our disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Smith for violations of the Academy’s standards of conduct before our next board meeting scheduled for April 18.” Possible sanctions include expulsion or suspension.
After Chris Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved hair, which is affected by alopecia, Will Smith suddenly went on stage and slapped Chris Rock as celebrities and viewers looked on in amazement. A few minutes after the slap, Will Smith was back on the stage of the Oscars to receive the award for best actor, for his role in “The Williams Method”.
