Oscars slap: Will Smith resigns from the Academy

Hollywood star, Will Smith has resigned from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences with immediate effect. His resignation comes days after slapping presenter Chris Rock on stage during the award ceremony for making a G.I Jane joke about his wife’s bald head. Will Smith’s slap and the many firsts of Oscar 2022 Meet […]

Hollywood star, Will Smith has resigned from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences with immediate effect.

His resignation comes days after slapping presenter Chris Rock on stage during the award ceremony for making a G.I Jane joke about his wife’s bald head.

Will Smith’s slap and the many firsts of Oscar 2022

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In a statement released on Friday to announce that he is stepping down from the Academy, the Men In Black actor further noted that he will accept any further consequences from the Board.

He said, “I have directly responded to the Academy’s disciplinary hearing notice, and I will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct.”

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star noted that his action at the Oscars was inexcusable and he has hurt a lot of his family members and close friends including Chris Rock due to the incident.

“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,” Smith said in the statement.

The entertainer further promised his friends and fans that he will ensure that violence never overtakes reasoning in his further actions.

“Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason.”
Friday’s statement was by far Smith’s most contrite take on the matter.
He initially apologized to the Academy during his televised acceptance speech for best actor, about forty minutes after the slap. But in that speech, he did not apologize to Rock.
Smith publicly apologized to Rock the next day via social media.
But he was much more critical of himself on Friday, calling his actions “shocking, painful, and inexcusable,” the actor said.

Moreso, President, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, David Rubin, said in a statement on Friday that the organisation has received and accepted Smith’s “immediate resignation.”

“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,” Rubin said.

By resigning, Smith will no longer be able to vote on Oscar-nominated movies and performances each year. His work, however, will still be eligible for future Oscars consideration and nominations.