Will Smith has resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, which hosts the Oscars, less than a week after he smacked presenter Chris Rock onstage during the ceremony. Smith said in a statement, as per People, “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.”
Smith added in the statement, “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.”
Men In Black star also said that he will accept “any and all” additional consequences for his actions, adding, “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.” By resigning, Smith can no longer vote in future Academy Awards.
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Concluding, the actor announced his departure from the Academy, “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.”
Following Smith’s resignation, David Rubin, President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, also issued a statement saying, “We have received and accepted Mr. Will Smith’s immediate resignation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.” “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,” he added in the statement.