Will Smith Resigns From The Academy, Saying, “I Am Heartbroken.”1
After slapping Chris Rock, Will Smith resigns from the Academy, saying, “I am heartbroken.”
Will Smith has announced his resignation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, only five days after winning his first Oscar. According to Yahoo News, the King Richard star, 53, was facing suspension or expulsion after smacking Chris Rock, a surprising event that marred his big moment.
Smith apologized to Rock again in a fresh statement on Friday, calling his actions “painful and inexcusable,” according to Vondigest. He stated that he will accept any other repercussions imposed by the Academy’s Board of Governors, including the loss of his Oscar.
[the_ad id=”41445″]
According to him, “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,” Smith tells Yahoo Entertainment, via his rep.
Read More: J Martins, Nigerian singer, Joins Politics, declared 2023 Ambitions
“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,” he continues.
“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 concludes. “Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason.”
Smith added that he has “directly responded to the Academy’s disciplinary hearing notice,” and “will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct.”
[the_ad id=”41445″]
On Tuesday, Smith held a virtual six-minute chat with Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson to apologize for the incident, according to this online platform. The Academy’s Board of Governors convened the next day to commence disciplinary proceedings. Suspension and expulsion were on the table, according to the organization.
The Academy’s board of directors will convene on April 15 to decide on further repercussions.
