Will Smith has resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, citing his “shocking, painful, and inexcusable” slapping of presenter Chris Rock on stage during this year’s Oscars ceremony.
“I betrayed the Academy’s faith in me. I took away the opportunity for other nominees and winners to celebrate and be recognized for their outstanding achievements. I’m devastated “Smith made the announcement in a statement.
“As a result, I am resigning from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and I will accept any further consequences deemed appropriate by the Board,” he said.
Smith strode up to the stage after Rock made a joke about Smith’s wife’s appearance at the Oscars ceremony last Sunday, then smacked Rock across the face.
Smith accepted the best actor award for his role in “King Richard” less than an hour later, giving a tearful speech on stage.
Rock’s joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, was inspired by Demi Moore’s shaved head in the 1997 film “G.I. Jane.” It’s unclear whether Rock was aware that Jada Pinkett Smith suffers from a hair-loss condition.
The film academy’s president, David Rubin, said on Friday that the organization had accepted Smith’s resignation but would continue with disciplinary proceedings that could result in further sanctions.
The issue will be discussed at the group’s next board meeting, which will be held on April 18.
“Change takes time, and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason,” Smith said in his statement.
