Will Smith resigns from the Academy after slapping Chris Rock at Oscars

Actor Will Smith had made quite the headlines after slapping Chris Rock on stage for making a joke about his wife Jada. Well, his situation was under review by the Academy and now the actor has resigned as per the latest reports.

This means that Will Smith will no longer be able to cast his vote on Oscar-nominated movies and performances. But his work is still eligible for further Oscars consideration and nominations.

Smith released a statement on Friday about the incident and announced his resignation, 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. 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.”

Will had also issued an apology after the slapping incident at the Oscars 2022.

 

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David Rubin, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, later, gave his statement in response to Will’s resignation, he told People’s Magazine, “We have received and accepted Mr Will Smith’s immediate resignation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. However, the resignation may not put a plug on the controversy just yet. He added, “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.”

Also Read: Academy gives update on Will Smith slapping Chris Rock incident