By Blessing Udeobasi
Following the brief altercation at the 2022 Oscars where Will Smith slapped Chris Rock for making a joke about his wife, the Hollywood actor has now resigned from the academy.
The Academy of Motion Arts & Sciences on Wednesday, said Will Smith had violated the Academy’s standards of conduct and that he had 15 days to provide a written response explaining his actions or face possible suspension, expulsion or other sanctions.
Will Smith while responding to the Academy in a statement obtained by The Hollywood Reporter on Friday chose to resign instead.
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The statement reads: “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. 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. Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason,” the statement concluded.
